Passengers at Manchester airport have been evacuated from a flight bound for Marrakech following reports of a man carrying a bomb.

Officials have confirmed that passengers on board the easyJet flight to Morocco had to leave the aircraft on Thursday afternoon. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb threat.

A Manchester airport spokesman said: “Due to an incident onboard an easyJet aircraft this afternoon, as a precautionary measure, passengers were taken off board whilst police investigated.

“In the meantime, we will be working closely with the airline and third parties to look after all passengers until they can continue with their journey.

“At all times the safety and security of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance.”

Greater Manchester police said they were called at about 3.30pm following reports that a passenger claimed to have a bomb in his bag.

A police spokesman said: “The aircraft was immediately evacuated and two men, aged 45 and 46, were arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.

“The passengers and their baggage are now being subjected to another security screening before they are allowed back on the plane. The searches and security checks are ongoing and no explosive devices have so far been found.”

An easyJet spokesman said: “EasyJet can confirm that police were requested to board flight EZY1893 from Manchester to Marrakech at the request of the captain.

“We take very seriously any security-related issue made to easyJet to ensure the continued safety and security of our passengers and crew. All passengers have currently disembarked the aircraft whilst the authorities carry out security checks.

“The safety and security of its passengers and crews is always easyJet’s highest priority and we would like to thank passengers for their understanding.”