Radioactive scare at JFK Airport

John F Kennedy airport in New York was at the centre of a security scare after reports of radioactive material on a Russian passenger jet.

An Aeroflot plane was searched by US security forces after a tip-off from their Russian counterparts.

One man was arrested but no suspicious material was found on board the aircraft, police said.

They said the flight from Moscow with 176 passengers on board landed about 2pm (7pm Irish time) in New York.

"Based on information that we received, we have an interest in interviewing a passenger on that plane," FBI spokesman Jim Margolin said.

One suspect was taken into custody, said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House Homeland Security Department.

But an official said the suspect was being questioned about possible smuggling and it appeared unlikely to be terrorist related.

"Information was received that led federal authorities to search the plane. The plane has been cleared and released to Aeroflot for use. All runways are operational," Mr Johndroe said in Washington.

Agents from the FBI, U.S. Customs and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey met the plane. Passengers were taken off the Boeing 767 as the search was conducted.