David on 10/8/2006 at 08:08
Following a (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778575.stm) major overnight operation Heathrow Airport is now (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778871.stm) closed to all incoming flights
The whole incident is fairly crazy. Eighteen arrested overnight and exceptional restrictions on hand luggage and a security level raised to 'Critical'.
While the authorities don't believe a plan to blow planes up in flight was planned for today they're extremely concerned that a backup plan may be executed now that the main plot has been foiled.
:eek:
OnionBob on 10/8/2006 at 08:14
Jesus that's weird. Theres noticeably fewer planes in the sky around here (they're normally overhead every few seconds). That "backup plan" thing is bothering me now though, they might hit the tube again and I have to go to campus O_O
Oli G on 10/8/2006 at 08:29
Woah, a week ago I flew back into London from 4 weeks abroad - glad I got the timing right.
Raven on 10/8/2006 at 08:59
good catch for the security forces - "mass murder on a grand scale" frightening stuff.
Fingernail on 10/8/2006 at 09:02
It somewhat reassures me that they're stopping stuff, though.
I'll be flying to Greece in a week, so hopefully totally out of the line of attack (suggestion is that the attacks would be on flights between the UK and US).
The US has also responded, preventing liquids from being taken onboard by passengers, due to fears of liquid explosives apparently, although they also say there's no evidence of a US-based plot.
OnionBob on 10/8/2006 at 09:13
this could be 9/11 times a thousand...
...that's right...
911,000 O_O
OrbWeaver on 10/8/2006 at 09:50
Quote Posted by Fingernail
It somewhat reassures me that they're stopping stuff, though.
Yes, it kind of puts the lie to all their "we need absolute control over your life or you will die" rhetoric. They seem to be doing a pretty good job without such powers.
Of course, there is always the possibility that there never was any realistic chance of an attack, and they are just overreacting Forest Gate style.
Spitter on 10/8/2006 at 10:28
Good to know these plans were thwarted!
Quote Posted by OnionBob
this could be 9/11 times a thousand...
...that's right...
911,000 O_O
818,181818... :rolleyes:
Minion21g on 10/8/2006 at 10:36
Yeah, really. Thanks to my friends across the pond.
SD on 10/8/2006 at 10:42
A crisp English ten pound note says this threat is as real as the UNDERGROUND RICIN PLOT, the DIRTY BOMB PLOT, and the FOREST GATE CHEMICAL WEAPONS FACTORY.
What would I know, I only work for the Government :joke:
