Passengers and staff were told to leave Terminal Two of the airport following a security scare this afternoon. Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was called to the scene shortly after 3pm.

       A police cordon has been place in surrounding areas while an investigation takes place.

       Pictures from the scene show several police vehicles blocking the entrance to the drop-off point at Terminal Two.

       Some flights are currently being diverted to Terminal One, according to reports.

       Other passengers at the terminal are understood to kept waiting at the departure gates.

       One passenger has reported being stuck inside the airport for more than an hour.

       Mathew Spencer tweeted: “Stuck in Terminal 2 now for over an hour with hundreds of people and no information.

       “Staff are clueless and refuse to escalate questions, saying it is ‘just’ a serious security matter. @manairport please communicate with us and tell us why we are stuck here.”

       In a statement, the force said: “Police were called with a report of a suspicious package in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport at around 3.20pm today (19 October 2021).

       “The terminal has been evacuated as per standard procedure and a cordon has been put in place as a safety precaution while an assessment is carried out."

       A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: “Following a report of a suspicious package in Terminal Two, a controlled evacuation is taking place as per standard procedure.

       “We are in close contact with Greater Manchester Police, who are managing the response, and will provide an update on the situation as soon as possible."

       Terminal Two of Manchester Airport completed its billion pound upgrade in July.

       The project planned in 2015 was scheduled to be finished in 2020 but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

       Terminal Two is now equipped with 10 security lanes, which stretch 29-metres long, and features the latest technology to speed up arrivals and departures.

       It also has two airport lounges with a capacity of 400 on the upper floor to give waiting passengers a panoramic view of the airfield.

       Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: "It is a proud milestone for our airport as we begin to emerge from the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and an important moment in our 83-year history.

       “This project was always about offering the modern airport experience that families and businesses across the North deserve as they travel through their international gateway to the world, and our new terminal certainly delivers on that goal."

       Passengers are advised to check departure screens for more information.

       Flights to destinations, including Amsterdam, Zurich and Dublin are thought to be affected.

       This is a developing news story, more to follow.