Reports of another possible "hijack" in MEL

[Lurk R]

Channel 7 says a man is in custody after making threats against the Brisbane-bound Virgin Blue aircraft, reported as being flight number DJ 323.

The man was reportedly arrested on board the plane while it was taxiing along the runway at Melbourne's Tullamarine airport.

The man allegedly began making verbal threats and the pilot immediately returned the aircraft to the terminal.

Security services were waiting by the time the aircraft arrived.

Police were unable to confirm reports the man was armed with a sharp surgical instrument.

Police are now searching the plane on the tarmac at Melbourne Airport.

[maflsc]

A man was arrested after making a verbal threat on board a Virgin Blue plane at Melbourne Airport.

The plane was taxiing onto the runway when passengers allegedly overheard a male passenger make the threat and advised the crew, Virgin Blue spokeswoman Angela Bolger said.

"The crew has subsequently contacted the captain, who notified airport security," she said.

Australian Protective Services removed the man from the plane.

"Security have searched the man and it appears he did not have a weapon," Ms Bolger said.





A spokeswoman for the Australian Federal Police confirmed a man had been arrested and was being questioned by police.

The rest of the passengers remained on the plane, which taxied back to terminal.

No-one was injured in the incident.

The alleged threat occurred on board Flight VJ 323 which was due to leave Melbourne for Brisbane at 3pm.

The incident follows an alleged hijack attempt of a Qantas plane shortly after take-off from Melbourne Airport last Thursday.

Two flight attendants and several passengers managed to tackle the man, who was armed with two wooden stakes.

Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison last week announced plans for laws to give APS officers new powers to search, detain and question anyone behaving suspiciously at airports.



©AAP 2003

[CoodaShooda]

Passenger interviewed on morning TV stated that the passenger in the adjoining seat had claimed he had some sharp objects and then stated that the plane "belonged to George W Bush" and "it was going to go down".

Another candidate for the forensic medical facility.