A “suspect vehicle” was found late last night near the south terminal of Gatwick airport, prompting police to implement a full-scale security alert.

Part of the south terminal was evacuated and closed whilst bomb disposal experts assessed the scene.

A member of the public raised the alarm at 20:50 BST on Friday after noticing the vehicle in a lay-by underneath the terminal.

The police carried out a controlled explosion on the car, but nothing suspicious was found.

Three men though are being held on suspicion of placing an article with intent contrary to Section 51 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Though the airport is slowly returning to order,passengers are advised to ring their airline and check flight times.