Suspicious packages found on UPS and FedEx planes

Two suspicious packages have been discovered on cargo planes heading to the US. Heightened security proceedures have been put in place after packages were found in the UK and Dubai, destined for Chicago.

FedEx said a package sent from Yemen was seized at its Dubai facility, whilst UPS revealed that the FBI checked packages on three of its cargo planes travelling from Europe.

The packages had been found whilst the planes were in transit to the US city from Yemen.

US security officials were alerted on Thursday night by overseas intelligence, the White House confirmed.

The FBI said the packages were both addressed to a religious instituion in Chicago.

According to a BBC report, the object was not a bomb although it was “potentially sinister.”

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said:  “Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States.

“Based on close cooperation among US government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in East Midlands, United Kingdom and one in Dubai.

“Both of these packages originated from Yemen. As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports.

“The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:35, by John Brennan, assistant to the President for homeland security and counter-terrorism.

“The President directed US intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to determine whether these threats are a part of any additional terrorist plotting.

“The President has received regular updates from his national security team since he was alerted to the threat.”

In the UK, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “The plane stopped at East Midlands Airport as part of a routine stopover.

“Cargo removed from the plane was examined. Further tests were carried out. Following this a number of items have been sent for additional scientific examination.”

More to follow…