RAF scrambled to escort plane from Nairobi to Stansted Airport | UK News

Police were called to Stansted Airport after a plane was diverted there.

A Kenya Airways flight travelling from Nairobi to Heathrow was diverted just before 3.45pm, Essex Police said.

The plane was escorted to Stansted by RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft.

Pictures show bomb disposal units as well as fire crews are at the scene.

Marie Merritt, a passenger on the plane, described the scene: ’45 minutes before we were due to land we were told we’ve been diverted to Stansted.

‘When we arrived we were surrounded by the police.

‘They’ve all got guns, all dressed in black. Captain hasn’t even said anything.’

She shared pictures of armed police on the runway and on board the plane, with one officer leading a sniffer dog up the aisle.

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport has since confirmed that the incident has been stood down and the airport is operating as normal.

They said: ‘A Kenya Airways Boeing 787 (flight number KQ100) diverted into London Stansted at just before 3.45pm.

‘The aircraft, which was en route from Nairobi to London Heathrow, landed safely and was escorted to a remote stand with Essex Police in attendance.

‘The incident has been stood down and the airport is open and flights are operating as normal.’

An MOD spokesperson said: ‘RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched as a precaution this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which was approaching the UK.

‘The civilian aircraft remained in contact with air traffic controllers throughout, and was escorted to Stansted Airport where it landed safely.

‘This incident is now under the control of the civilian authorities.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Essex Police for more information.

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