A man was arrested at East Midlands Airport yesterday (Monday) on suspicion of possessing explosives on board an aircraft.

Armed officers were sent to the airport at Castle Donington as police staged an immediate response to the alert - with the plane still on the ground.

However, following a search of the craft, no explosives were found and it appears the threat was being treated as 'not viable'.

Leicestershire Police released a statement which read: "At 5.16pm on Monday, police were informed of a report of a male aboard an aircraft at East Midlands Airport who stated he was in possession of an explosive device.

"The aircraft was on the ground at the time of the incident.

"Officers worked with airport staff and with the aircraft crew to provide an immediate response to the report.

"In the interests of public and officer safety, armed officers were also deployed to the area of the aircraft.

"Following instruction, the man safely left the aircraft where he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an explosive substance.

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"Following the arrest, the aircraft has been fully searched.

"No explosive device has been found onboard and there is no suggestion that the threat made is viable.

"The man arrested has since been released on bail and our enquiries remain ongoing."