STANSTED Airport has been on full alert following Saturday s terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport. BAA, which owns both Glasgow and Stansted airports, tightened security in all seven of its airports after a terror suspect, drove a burning car into Glasgow

STANSTED Airport has been on full alert following Saturday's terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport.

BAA, which owns both Glasgow and Stansted airports, tightened security in all seven of its airports after a terror suspect, drove a burning car into Glasgow Airport terminal on Saturday.

An increased police presence was stationed at

Stansted, and access to the front of the terminal by car was severely restricted.

Fears grew after police were alerted to a suspect holdall at 6.50pm on Monday and a cordon was put in place.

A 45-year-old man from Poland was arrested when he returned to the area and claimed the bag was his.

Essex Police investigated the bag and it was declared unsuspicious, however the man was held in custody for questioning but was later released with a caution for possession of an offensive weapon.

Following the attempted Glasgow attack and the two car bombs that failed to detonate in London on Friday, Essex Police ramped up security across the county.

Powers given to police under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act, which enable officers to carry out stop and searches on any individual or vehicle at any time, were extended to cover the whole of Essex.

Asst Chief Constable Peter Lowton said: "The use of Section 44 powers is an essential tactic, which helps us create an environment hostile to terrorists and safe for our communities.

"We are grateful to the public of Essex for their continuing support and assistance - as our eyes and ears they have an essential role to play, being vigilant and thinking security."

The police have been working closely with the Essex Independent

Advisory Group, an organisation that scrutinises police behaviour.

IAG chairman Neela Hibbert said: "We've been in constant contact with the police and have been reassured by their actions and policing plans to combat the current terrorist threat."

Ryanair cancelled just a single flight, which was on route to Frankfurt-Hahn, on Monday in response to Stansted's security alert.

Railway operator One said that for an hour around the time of Monday's bag scare, trains usually going to the airport were terminated in Bishop's Stortford.

Departures and arrivals quickly got back to normal but emergency procedures remained in place.

However, departures and arrivals were back to normal by Tuesday.

A BAA Stansted spokesman said: "BAA's seven UK airports are operating as normal with a full schedule of flights. All terminals are open and operating well.

"However, forecourt restrictions remain in place at all BAA's airports and BAA is advising passengers to take public transport if possible."

The slip road to the airport's drop-off point has been closed and armed police are outside guarding the area.

There are more armed officers and increased security inside and outside the terminal building.