Terror alert brings tighter security checks – but there are no significant queues at Heathrow
Security was reinforced at Heathrow and other UK airports amid reports that two terror networks were working on a new generation of explosive devices – with American bound flights a possible target. But there was no evidence of any significant delays and Heathrow sources indicated that the existing procedures were able to deal with the new threat. According to American sources the two terrorist units are working on explosive devices which can evade existing measures. The Department for Transport said the extra measures – which have not been disclosed – were not expected to cause “significant disruption” to passengers and said that the official UK threat status remained unchanged, Changes were announced after Washington Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson ordered improved security at foreign airports which host American flights. “The UK Government keeps aviation security under constant review in conjunction with international partners and the aviation industry,” a DfT spokesman said. “We have taken the decision to step up some of our aviation security measures. For obvious reasons we will not be commenting in detail on those changes. “The majority of passengers should not experience significant disruption. There will be no change to the threat level, which remains at substantial. “The safety and security of the public is our paramount concern. The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures and we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained.” US officials were reported to have said the move was the result of intelligence that groups in Yemen and Syria had joined forces to plot an attack. Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokesman said: “There are terror organisations around the world that seek to do the UK, its citizens, citizens of many other countries including our Western allies, harm. “We need to always be vigilant to situations that can develop.”
