Airports on heightened alert

Staff are on alert at Exeter Airport

Staff at South West airports say they are on high alert as airports across the country tighten security.

Soldiers and armed police are patrolling Heathrow Airport for a second day as part of tighter security across the capital to prevent any terrorist threat.

Armed patrols at Bristol International Airport are also being increased by Avon and Somerset Police, though armed officers are usually present in the terminal.

There are no armed patrols at Exeter or Newquay airports, but staff have been asked to be extra vigilant during the current alert and say they have spotted an increased police presence.

Bristol Airport has more armed patrols

Avon and Somerset Police said there was no specific threat to Bristol Airport, which is used by travellers from across the South West, and that it was purely a preventative measure.

One member of staff at Newquay Airport said: "There is a police presence at all times over all flights."

A spokesman for Plymouth City Airport would not discuss security issues.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We do have contingency plans in place."