"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.

A security alert at London’s Gatwick Airport delayed dozens of flights and left arriving passengers scrambling for alternative ways to get home after authorities evacuated one terminal and shut the airport train station for more than four hours on Friday.

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.