"Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20am on Friday following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage. "To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with," the statement says.

London’s Gatwick Airport said it is reopening its South Terminal after police resolved a security alert triggered when a suspicious item was found in a passenger’s luggage.

An explosives disposal team has been sent to London’s Gatwick Airport and one of its terminals evacuated after a “suspected prohibited item” was found in luggage.