Couldn't agree more Danny, firstly ATC got dragged into it and then as you rightly say, so do the press - not really alot to do with my original question!!
In reply to Mr Jamieson, I found out today, (cannot confirm) that the suspect package was an aircraft pax lifejacket - how this came to be found on an aircraft who knows!! I dont know where it was found i.e it may not have been where it should have thus raising suspicon. I am led to believe that the crew dis-armed a rear pax door slide, put the "package" by the door and covered it with wet cloth's/curtains etc as a precaution. This is what I heard this morning and like I say I cannot guarentee this to be the truth.
As Danny said it is refreshing to see the truth being sought - hope this info helps the cause
