Flights suspended at London Heathrow following 'security issue'

All flights from Heathrow Terminal 3 were grounded due to a "security issue", an airport spokeswoman said.

No flights were able to take off for a "short time" on Friday morning after a "suspicious item" was found by an X-ray scan of baggage, the Metropolitan Police said.

Passengers said aircraft scheduled to depart were searched by armed police as they waited on the runway.

Tim Chambers, a passenger on a BA flight to Bilbao said his plane was held on the tarmac for two hours due to a suspected "security lapse", with each plane due to depart being searched by armed police.

He said the caption had told passengers a man had grabbed his bag and run after it was pulled aside to be checked.

It was initially feared the passenger had run back on to the airside area of security from arrivals, it was later confirmed he had not.

Flights have since resumed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called at approximately 8am to Heathrow Terminal 3 following a report of a suspicious item detected by an X-ray of luggage.

"Officers are working with the airport authorities and inquiries are continuing."

He added that no arrests had been made.

An airport spokeswoman said: "Departures were suspended for a short time from Terminal 3 due to a security issue.

"We are very sorry to any passengers whose journeys are affected. The safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is paramount."