Reporter with bogus references boards hold of plane

A journalist has been able to board the hold of a jet plane after using bogus references to become a baggage handler.

The reporter working for Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper had direct access to Ryanair jets at Stansted airport.

Within a week of being taken on he was given a pass allowing him to have direct access to planes and luggage minutes before take off.

He also smuggled cameras through the X-ray screening and searches by airport staff.

The reporter applied for the position through the Manpower offices in Harlow, Essex, using his real name but using false references.

He was given a 10-minute interview and told the British Airports Authority (BAA) would make checks into his background.

But the only check that was made was a quick call to bogus friends named in the references.

No-one checked that the names matched the addresses or the reporter's employment history.

Six days later he started work at the airport.

Aviation expert Chris Yates, editor of Jane's Civil Aviation Security magazine, said: "This is the most appalling lapse of security I have ever come across. I am absolutely shocked. Heads should roll."

A spokesperson from BAA Stansted said they will investigate the incident, which happened in September.