UK PLANES IN TERROR ALERT

Independence Day ‘bomb plot’

TERRORISTS are threatening to bring down a plane flying out of Heathrow airport.

The chilling vow said jets “flying from Heathrow to the US” during tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations were a target.

The threat, which was made on Twitter, added: “There will be a device placed in either Heathrow, LAX or JFK airports.”

Yesterday transport minister Lord Ahmad called for vigilance at Heathrow, pictured, in the wake of the alert.

He said: “We all need to be vigilant to the global threat of terrorism.

“In the UK we keep all aspects of aviation security under constant review and work closely with our international partners to mitigate risks.

“We will continue to take all steps necessary to keep the public safe, but for security reasons we do not comment in detail on specific measures or operational matters.”

The July 4 threat was discovered by anti-terror organisation SITE Intelligence Group.

A spokesman for Heathrow declined to comment and referred inquiries to the Department for Transport. The alert came as US authorities were getting ready for the annual public holiday, which sees 43million Americans travelling throughout the country.

Many towns and cities will hold concerts, firework displays and other outdoor events, sparking fears of a possible terror attack. Last week FBI investigators said they had no “specific or credible threats” to the celebrations.

A spokesman said: “However, law enforcement and members of the public must remain vigilant.

“The FBI asks members of the public to maintain awareness of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”