UK investigation into Heathrow security breach

Britain's Department of Transport has launched an investigation into how an undercover journalist had entered a restricted area.

Heathrow Airport today said it had taken “immediate steps” to tighten security after it was revealed the reporter from Sky News found his way into the secure air-side zone and walked up to passenger planes on the ground earlier this week.

The breach followed a series of visits to Heathrow where he said he walked around other areas carrying a broom but was challenged only once.

BAA, which runs the airport, is not planning to prosecute the reporter but a spokeswoman said steps had already been taken to close the loophole.

She said: “We investigated the claims made by Sky yesterday and immediately took steps to address those concerns. We have identified where he claims to have got through.”

She added that “covert” tests are regularly carried to ensure that security systems are operating properly.

A statement issued by the UK Department for Transport said: “The Department views all breaches of security seriously, and takes action wherever appropriate.

“In this instance corrective action has already been taken by both BAA and British Airways, but we will carry out a thorough investigation and consider whether any additional steps are necessary.”