PASSENGERS on an easyJet flight from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport were evacuated from a plane before take-off today due to a ‘suspicious item’ being spotted by the pilot.

At 9.40am this morning travellers were ordered to leave the aircraft by police as they prepared for take-off after the pilot raised the alarm.

Officers conducted a full sweep of the plane which was bound for Venice but did not find anything of interest.

Merseyside Police said it had given the all-clear and travellers were allowed back onto the plane.

A spokesman for the force said: “We can confirm officers attended Liverpool John Lennon Airport this morning following reports of a suspicious item.

“At around 10.15am, a suspicious item was seen on a plane due to fly out of the airport, and the captain requested passengers disembark so that airline staff could search the plane as a precaution.

“No items that posed any risk to passengers were discovered and at around 11am they were allowed to re-board the flight, which is continuing its journey.”

After disembarking the aircraft people were put on buses which took them back to the airport where they were held while the search was being carried out.

A spokesman for esayJet said: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY7061 from Liverpool to Venice Marco Polo was delayed due to additional security checks as a precaution only.

“The safety and security of its passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority. We would like to thank passengers for their understanding.”