UPDATED: Terminal has since reopened: Gatwick’s South Terminal’s been evacuated after security staff found a suspected banned item in some luggage.

Sussex Police say they’ve called in a bomb disposal team as a precaution, and have put a cordon around the building.

Passengers aren’t able to enter while the investigation continues and it has been ongoing since around 8am.

Passenger Deborah Cohen has this update as of 1pm.

Sussex Police statement:

Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20am on Friday (22 November) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage. To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with.

As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible. Please contact Gatwick Airport press office (01293 505000) for further information.