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Paris Attacks: Man Arrested At Gatwick Airport After 'Firearm' Found In Bin

Gatwick Terminal Evacuated After French Man 'Drops Gun In Bin'
Louise Ridley
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Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal was evacuated on Saturday morning and nearby roads were closed, after a French man was seen dropping what appeared to be a firearm into a bin.

Amid heightened security around the world after the wave of deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, travellers were asked to leave the terminal at around 10am this morning “for the protection of the public”.

A 41-year-old man from France is being questioned by police after "what appears to be a firearm" was discovered, Sussex Police said.

The man was arrested and bomb teams conducted a controlled explosion. The item is now being investigated.

Photos of hundreds of people standing outside the airport were shared online as the building was evacuated.

Passengers and staff are now being allowed to return to the North Terminal after the security alert, police said.

A statement from Sussex Police said: "Police were called at around 9.30am following suspicious actions by a man who discarded an item in a bin at the airport.

"Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists were called to the airport to investigate the item and carried out a small controlled explosion.

"Personal items and what appears to be a firearm were recovered and have been removed for forensic examination. However, the viability of the weapon has yet to be established.

"A 41-year-old man from Vendôme in France was arrested at the scene at the time of the report on suspicion of firearms offences. He was 'landside' at the airport and had not checked in or passed through any passport or security checks."

Detective Superintendent Nick May said: "The man is being interviewed as we try to determine the circumstances of the incident, but at this time it is too early to say what his intentions, if any, were.

"However, given the events in Paris on Friday evening, there is heightened awareness around any such incident and it is best that we treat the matter in all seriousness.

"We are aware that there is concern about what has happened in France, but the general threat level remains the same and people should be aware as usual of anyone acting suspiciously and report any concerns immediately."

All Easyjet flights out of Gatwick Airport's North Terminal appeared to be suspended and moved to the South Terminal during the security alert.

Slightly worrying scenes at Gatwick airport now. Terminal evacuated earlier and now all EasyJet flights have been suspended.

— Mark Lenehan (@MarkLenehan) November 14, 2015

All Easyjet flights from #Gatwick suspended...

— Posthuman (@posthumanmusic) November 14, 2015

Paris attacks: Bataclan theatre scene
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Police officers carry out investigastions behind a cordoned off area at the Bataclan theatre in the 11th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, the day after a series of six attacks on the city resulted in the deaths of over 128 people and 200 other injured. More than a hundred people were gunned down at the Bataclan theatre in Paris during a concert by the US band Eagles of Death Metal. AFP PHOTO/JACQUES DEMARTHON (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JACQUES DEMARTHON via Getty Images)
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An unnamed man brings his portable grand piano and plays John Lennon's Imagine by the Bataclan, Paris, one of the venues for the attacks in the French capital which are feared to have killed around 120 people. (credit:John Walton/PA Wire)
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The press core is set-up close to the Bataclan theatre in the 11th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, the day after a series of six attacks on the city resulted in the deaths of over 128 people and 200 other injured. More than a hundred people were gunned down at the Bataclan theatre in Paris during a concert by the US band Eagles of Death Metal. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD (Photo credit should read KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:KENZO TRIBOUILLARD via Getty Images)
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Police officers stand by the secured and cordoned off crime scene of the Bataclan concert hall on November 14, 2015 following the deadly attacks in Paris a day before. The string of coordinated attacks in and around Paris late November 13, 2015 left more than 120 people dead, in the worst such violence in France's history. AFP PHOTO/JACQUES DEMARTHON (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JACQUES DEMARTHON via Getty Images)
Significant Death Toll Feared In Paris Terror Attacks(05 of36)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 14: Flowers and candles are left on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on November 14, 2015 in Paris, France. At least 120 people have been killed and over 200 injured, 80 of which seriously, following a series of terrorist attacks in the French capital. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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Investigating police officers inspect the lifeless body of a victim of a shooting attack outside the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, France, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Well over 100 people were killed in Paris on Friday night in a series of shooting, explosions. French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country's borders. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Belongings of victims lay on the pavement outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said at least 127 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A note reads "To all my friends i knew and others i did not knew, for life" on a flower next to the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande vowed to attack Islamic State without mercy as the jihadist group admitted responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks inflicted on France since World War II. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A woman reacts outside the Bataclan theater in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. rench President Francois Hollande vowed to attack the Islamic State group without mercy as the jihadist group claimed responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks on France since World War II. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A man lights up a candle outside the Bataclan theater in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. rench President Francois Hollande vowed to attack the Islamic State group without mercy as the jihadist group claimed responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks on France since World War II. Poster at right reads Long Live France, at left: The French fight those who steal life. Terrorists, be aware. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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People rest on a bench after being evacuated from the Bataclan theater after a shooting in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. A series of attacks targeting young concert-goers, soccer fans and Parisians enjoying a Friday night out at popular nightspots killed over 100 people in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Flowers are placed outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A woman places a candle outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A watch lays on the ground outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Investigators work outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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An investigator works outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Investigators and police work outside the Bataclan concert hall, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Policemen block access to the Bataclan concert hall, center, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris. French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer walks by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Journalists take cover near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate a woman near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
Many Dead After Multiple Shootings In Paris(29 of36)
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PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 13: Policemen patrol the streets during gunfire near the Bataclan concert hall on November 13, 2015 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead. (Photo by Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images) (credit:Antoine Antoniol via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate an injured person near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescue workers evacuate a woman near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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A riot police officer stands by an ambulance near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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People take cover and photos near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)
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Rescuers workers evacuate a man on a stretcher near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, on November 13, 2015. A number of people were killed and others injured in a series of gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium where France was hosting Germany. AFP PHOTO / DOMINIQUE FAGET (Photo credit should read DOMINIQUE FAGET/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DOMINIQUE FAGET via Getty Images)

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A statement from Gatwick said: "Due to an incident the North Terminal landside area has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. As part of this precautionary measure roads in the immediate proximity to the airport have been closed.

"Passengers due to arrive into the North Terminal will be arriving into the South Terminal.

"Landside passengers who were already onsite in the North Terminal are being looked after in nearby hotels.

"Passengers due to fly from the North Terminal should contact their airline for the latest information"

PARIS ATTACKS: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:

  • At least 127 dead, and fears death toll could be around 140

  • At least five locations targeted in suicide bombings and shootings

  • Around 80 slain at Bataclan concert theatre after hostage situation

  • Restaurants, football stadium attacked in night of horror

  • Police leave cancelled and around 1,500 soldiers mobilised

  • French border controls increased, state of emergency declared

  • Eight extremists killed, all attackers thought to be dead

  • Manhunt under way for accomplices

  • David Cameron to chair meeting of Government Cobra committee
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