Plane diverted to Shannon Airport after 'bomb threat' message Published duration 11 June 2018

image copyright Reuters image caption United Airlines said flight UA971 had been diverted due to a "potential security concern"

A transatlantic flight has been diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland, after what is understood to be a bomb threat was found inside the plane.

United Airlines said flight UA971, from Rome to Chicago, had been diverted due to a "potential security concern".

Irish police have confirmed a message was found inside the plane.

There are reports in Irish media that it was found in a toilet and handwriting samples have been gathered from passengers.

The 207 passengers and 11 crew members disembarked the Boeing 767-330 at Shannon in County Clare at about 14:15 local time.

In a statement, United Airlines said: "After assessing the situation our crew made the decision to divert to the nearest available airport.

"Additional security screenings will be performed on all customers and baggage, and we will work to get customers on their way to Chicago as quickly as possible."

The company said it was "working to provide customers with refreshments and overnight accommodation" and their flight was scheduled to depart Shannon on Tuesday at 15:00 local time.