Nimrod scrapping condemned as 'barbaric vandalism'

Work on the controversial scrapping of nine multimillion-pound Nimrod aircraft is under way at a BAE Systems factory in Greater Manchester.

Diggers moved in to dismantle the empty aircraft behind large screens at BAE Woodford, Stockport, on Wednesday.

The decision to scrap the reconnaissance planes was announced as part of the coalition Government's defence review, which aims to save £2bn in operating costs over the next decade.

Unions have criticised the decision to break-up the planes, which is costing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) £200m.

Unite's John Fussey described the dismantling as 'barbaric vandalism'.