Passengers have spoken of their experiences at Gatwick after they were told to evacuate during a security incident.

Flights and transport in and out of Gatwick have ground to a halt following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item inside a piece of luggage.

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been deployed to the airport while passengers and staff have been evacuated from the south terminal.

Laurence Kemball-Cook was due to fly to Portugal with his partner and 14-month-old baby when his family was caught up in the chaos.

They were evacuated to a gate where they are currently awaiting further updates.

Live: Gatwick Airport evacuated and bomb squad deployed amid incident

Laurence said: “We arrived at the flight and found out there was an hour and a half wait for security, huge queue at security.

Passengers during the evacuationPassengers during the evacuation (Image: Laurence Kemball-Cook) “We asked if something was going on. They said there was a security incident earlier but it was normal service now.

“We went through as normal. About 9.50am we were having a coffee and my partner went to change my baby.

“A lady runs into Pret A Manger saying we have got to evacuate. Everyone started leaving and running.

“I ran to the toilet to get them. By the time I got back everyone had left the main terminal.

“They ushered us towards the gates. There’s a human wall between the gates and the main terminal.

“It strikes me that this is not a normal situation.

Staff have handed out blankets and water to those waiting outsideStaff have handed out blankets and water to those waiting outside (Image: Marco Pajo) “They’re being incredibly serious.”

Marco Pajo, who was due to fly to Malta at 11.25am, was also evacuated while waiting to pass through security. He is currently standing outside the terminal.

He said: "Everyone was evacuated. I was about to do my security check and suddenly everyone was asked to leave the airport.

“Everything is cancelled, we can't get an Uber or a taxi.

“We're confused as to what's going on but it seems like something very serious is happening here.

“My luggage is checked in so I don't know what's going to happen with that."

Passengers have also been evacuated to gates inside the airportPassengers have also been evacuated to gates inside the airport (Image: Laurence Kemball-Cook) Marco has also reported that staff are handing out water bottles and blankets to those who were evacuated.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police were called to the south terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20am on Friday 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."

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