Cops surround Emirates Airlines flight after BOMB scare over ‘suspicious package hidden onboard’ as passengers evacuated

A BOMB scare has halted flights at Manchester Airport this evening with blue lights racing to the runway.

Chaotic scenes unfolded as passengers were escorted off an Emirates aircraft after cops arrived on the scene just before 7.30pm.

Horror was sparked after Greater Manchester Police were alerted to a shocking email claiming there was a "suspicious package" onboard the EK19 flight from Dubai.

Several fire engines were seen surrounding the aircraft, which reportedly taxied to a standstill and was then quickly swarmed by officers.

After cops stopped the plane, careful security checks were carried out and passengers were forced to disembark.

Other aeroplanes were spotted making a "holding pattern" in the sky as the incident unfolded on the tarmac and the airfield was "closed for a brief period".

People at the airport shared pictures on social media showing shocking scenes on the runway.

One holidaymaker took to and penned: "Doesn’t look like we are taking off anytime soon at Manchester Airport .

"Lots of activity on the runway.

"Planes circling, fire trucks on the runways, flights held up at Manchester airport and nothing about it except on twitter," wrote another concerned traveller.

"What is going on tonight."

Meanwhile, one witness reported seeing "police in their dozens" at the airport.

Multiple aircraft were also spotted flying past Derbyshire, suspected to be re-directed from Manchester.

Have you been affected by the bomb scare at Manchester Airport? Email summer.raemason@the-sun.co.uk

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed: "At around 7:20pm this evening (Tuesday 17 October) Greater Manchester Police were made aware of an email claiming there was a suspicious package on a flight.

"The aircraft had landed at Manchester Airport and was held for further assessment.

"Searches and security checks have been completed, and no suspicious items have so far been found.

"Passengers have now disembarked the aircraft with extra officers on hand to answer any questions and offer visible reassurance.

"No arrests have been made at this stage."

A Manchester Airport spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the ordeal and stated the airport is now operating as normal.

An Emirates spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight EK019 arriving in Manchester today (17 October) was subjected to additional security checks upon arrival.

"Emirates crew and ground teams co-operated fully with the authorities.

"After the local authorities cleared the aircraft, it proceeded to the gate where passengers disembarked as normal."