Anti-terrorist police for airport

The anti-terrorist unit will cover Carlisle Airport

Armed police are to be stationed at a Cumbrian airport after plans were announced to run flights to European destinations.

The move is in response to proposals for new passenger services at Carlisle Airport.

Cumbria Police have already appointed a senior officer who will have responsibility for ports and airfields across the county.

Airport owner, businessman Dr Edward Haughey, plans to start passenger flights from the Crosby-on-Eden airport to a number of locations in the UK and Europe later this year.

Future activities

Detective Inspector Dave Tweddle said people should not be alarmed in any way.

He said there were no suggestions of any problems in Cumbria and the move was largely as a result of the proposed future activities at the airport.

A police spokesman said the duties of the unit at the airport would be decided once there were more details about the flights.

The responsibility for policing airports and ports has always been with Special Branch, but it is the first time a specific officer has been appointed in Cumbria.