Police foiled plot to bring down aircraft, says Reid

Police have foiled a major plot to blow up aeroplanes in mid-flight, the Home Secretary said today.

John Reid said: "Overnight the police, with the full knowledge of Ministers, have carried out a major counter-terrorism operation to disrupt what we believe to be a major threat to the UK and international partners.

"The police, acting with the Security Service MI5, are investigating an alleged plot to bring down a number of aircraft through mid-flight explosions, causing a considerable loss of life.

"The police believe the alleged plot was a very significant one indeed.

"At 2am this morning the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the UK threat state to its highest level - critical."

"This is now being publicly announced as I promised to Parliament last month. This is a precautionary measure. We are doing everything possible to disrupt any further terrorist activity.

"This will mean major disruption at all UK airports from today. But as far as is possible we want people to go about their business as normal. The police will provide an update on the operation later this morning and Ministers will keep the public regularly informed."

Downing Street said the anti-terror operation had been undertaken "with the full support" of Prime Minister Tony Blair who is on holiday in the Caribbean. He had been "in constant contact" with the situation in the UK and had briefed US President George Bush overnight, a spokesman said.