Gun found at Stansted Airport

The man is thought to have been travelling to Spain

A man has been arrested at Stansted Airport in Essex after security officials found him in possession of a handgun.

He was taken into custody on Friday morning, but Essex Police say he is not being questioned under the Terrorism Act.

The 44-year-old businessman from Norfolk was passing through a routine security check at 0500 GMT when he was found carrying the weapon, which fires ball bearings.

Essex Police say the firearm is similar to a airgun and is not able to discharge bullets.

It is believed the man is British and was preparing to travel to Spain alone.