Britain sends up fighters as Pakistani plane diverted

London, May 24 (IANS) Britain had to scramble fighter jets Friday for escorting a Pakistani International Airlines (PIA) plane after it was diverted from Manchester.

The PIA plane was diverted from Manchester to Stansted airport, reported BBC, citing a Manchester airport spokesperson Friday.

The plane, flight number PK709, carrying 297 passengers, had reportedly left Lahore at 09.35 a.m. and was due in at Manchester at 2.00 p.m. (British Standard Time).

An Essex police spokeswoman said: “An incident has occurred on an aircraft. Police and partners are responding.”

Police were expected to meet the plane at the airport.

The defence ministry said RAF Typhoon jets have been launched to “investigate an incident involving a civilian aircraft within UK airspace”.

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