Passengers safe after emergency landing

An investigation is under way after an airliner was forced to make an emergency landing at Liverpool Airport when a fire broke out in the cockpit. None of the 92 passengers on board was hurt.

The British Airways BAC-1.11 was flying from Belfast to Birmingham when the pilot spotted smoke and flames in the cockpit.

He contacted airtraffic controllers and a full emergency operation was mounted.

Fire crews with specialist foam and aerial appliances were drafted along with the airport's own fire services. Six paramedic crews were also on standby on the runway.

The plane landed successfully shortly after 9am and the passengers were led to safety. Alternative travel arrangements were being made for them.