Stansted security 'among the best'

Stansted is the fourth-busiest airport in the UK

Stansted Airport is reviewing its security procedures after reports that a gun and a fake bomb were smuggled through a passenger checkpoint.

But a leading anti-terrorism expert says the Essex airport, run by BAA, has one of the best security systems in the world.

Former army officer Mike Yardley said any system was breachable if groups or individuals were determined enough.

Security guards at Stansted failed to detect the weapons, which were smuggled through by Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions (DETR) inspectors as part of security checks, according to The Sun newspaper.

"We take our security responsibilities very seriously and you can be assured that measures have been taken to address this matter."

Stansted Airport spokesman

A DETR spokeswoman told BBC News Online: "We are concerned with making sure high levels of security are in place at UK airports and we carry out regular tests."

She said she could not discuss specific cases but said: "We have contacted BAA and are discussing the results with them."

The spokeswoman said she could not confirm whether inspectors would return to Stansted in the future to repeat the test but added: "All our tests are ongoing".

The tests were carried out as part of a regular programme by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

A spokesman for the department confirmed that it had been talking to BAA, which runs Stansted, but would not disclose the results of the security checks.

According to The Sun, an inspector managed to walk through a metal detector with a gun and reach a position to board an aircraft.

'Failed' search

The metal detector did go off but staff who searched him with hand scanners missed the weapon, the paper reported.

It also said a fake bomb complete with battery, wires and timer was put through an X-ray machine without being spotted.

Stansted security staff have been offered more training, it added.

Stansted is the UK's fourth-busiest airport after Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, and Britain's designated airport for hijacked flights.

A spokesman for BAA, which runs Stansted, told BBC News Online: "The safety and security of our customers is our highest priority at all times.

"We work closely with the DETR to ensure the effective implementation of airport security procedures which are laid down by the government.

'Measures taken'

"We are constantly testing the systems and the tests referred to were part of this continuous assessment.

"We take our security responsibilities very seriously and you can be assured that measures have been taken to address this matter. We are unable to comment on specific tests."

But Mr Yardley said: "Once you get a lot of people going through, whoever is operating the X-ray system could be pressured by sheer numbers.

"One suspects this is how this intrusion may have happened. But that's no excuse for not picking it up."

He said: "The great problem with any system is retaining high levels of attention or motivation of staff.

"It's not the most exciting job to do and shifts have to be kept short to retain attention levels.

"My own opinion is the equipment is well proven and is quite adequate. The problem that's been identified rests with working practices or with morale or leadership."