Stansted Airport: Three arrested over bomb hoax

Stansted Airport's runway was closed for a short time, Essex Police said

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax on board a stationary Easyjet plane.

Essex Police said specialist officers boarded the flight, destined for Amsterdam, at Stansted Airport, after receiving a security concern at about 19:40 BST on Wednesday.

The plane, which was still on the ground, was moved to a secure area and the runway was closed for a short time.

Two men, aged 18 and 22, and a woman, 18, remain in police custody.

After a search the force said there was nothing "of concern on board".

Essex Police said it worked "quickly and robustly" with its partners at the airport to resolve the issue, whilst inquiries were carried out.

A spokesperson for Stansted Airport confirmed the runway was closed for 50 minutes between 19:45 and 20:35 BST, and said six inbound flights were diverted to other airports.

An Easyjet spokeswoman said flight EJU7920 was "delayed overnight".

"We did all possible to minimise the impact of the disruption for our customers, providing hotel accommodation and meals where required and anyone who sourced their own hotel accommodation will be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses", she said.

"The safety and security of our customers and crew is always Easyjet's highest priority and we would like to thank customers for their understanding."

Police also thanked passengers on board for their patience and understanding.