GLASGOW Airport has begun to reopen today after a ferocious attack on the terminal building linked to two failed car bombings in London.
Police arrested two men - one on fire - after a Jeep Cherokee was driven into the main doors of the airport before bursting into flames in a suspected “terrorist incident”.
Two others were arrested on the M6 in Cheshire early this morning by officers from the Met and West Midlands Police while a fifth man has been arrested in Liverpool at lunchtime.
Chief Constable William Rae, of Strathclyde Police, confirmed the attack on the terminal was being linked to two car bombs found in London’s West End on Friday morning.
He said: “This vehicle contained material which was flammable and at this time I can say no more than that. It will be the subject of close forensic examination.
“There was no prior intelligence to suggest that Scotland was going to be the target of a terror attack.”
One of the arrested men is being questioned in police custody, but the other is in a critical condition at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley after suffering severe burns.
Part of the hospital was evacuated after the second man’s arrival when a “suspect device” was found on his body.
But Strathclyde Police today denied reports that this device was a “suicide vest” after having it examined by explosives experts.
In a statement the force said: “Although further tests have still to be carried out on this item, it is not believed to be an improvised explosive device as has been speculated in the media over the course of the day.”
Another five people were also taken to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow after the attack. Four were later discharged and the fifth is still in hospital.
A phased re-opening of Glasgow Airport has begun but passengers are urged not to go to the airport unless they have received confirmation from their airline as a large number of flights have been cancelled.
Friends and relatives are advised not to travel to the airport, unless absolutely necessary.
Between 15 and 20 flights are expected to be cancelled, with five diverted via Edinburgh, Prestwick and Newcastle airports.
More than 45 flights are on course to depart, though some may be subject to delay.
But Gordon Dewar, managing director of Glasgow Airport, warned that passengers should expect some delays and cancellations.
He said: “Our priority is to return the airport to normal as quickly and safely as we can.
“We are grateful to our passengers for their co-operation and patience during what was clearly a difficult situation.
“The safety of our passengers is our absolute priority and while we regret the inconvenience caused by today’s disruption, we would like to thank them for their support. They have responded superbly.
“Our priority now is to ensure the airport returns to normal operation as swiftly, and safely, as possible.”
Mr Rae described the attack as a “horrendous criminal act” and asked for anyone with information on the incident to come forward.
He said Strathclyde Police had been taking advice from the leaders of minority communities and warned that anyone that anyone attacking such communities would be “robustly” dealt with
