Patrols increase at alert airport

Police patrols have been increased at the airport

Police have increased patrols at Liverpool John Lennon Airport after a security alert over the weekend.

The airport was closed for more than eight hours on Saturday night after a suspicious vehicle found nearby had to be towed away for examination.

Managing Director of the airport, Neil Pakey, said it was still at a critical level of alert.

"The front of the terminal has been closed and we're actually using baggage trucks across the front," he said.

'Business as usual'

"We're dealing with [the threat] on a day-to-day basis, and it's taking a lot of energy and focus," Mr Pakey said.

"We're dealing with emergency services and all the airport staff and increasing our security measures."

The security alert on Saturday came just hours after a burning car was driven into Glasgow Airport.

Those at the Liverpool airport when the closure came into place were taken to local leisure centres. But airport spokesman Robin Tudor said it was "business as usual" on Sunday.

Cars, including taxis, are banned from approaching the terminal, in line with measures at other airports.

The move is likely to cause disruption as the summer holiday season begins.