Train company issues announcement to all passengers after Birmingham Airport evacuation

West Midlands Railway has issued clear guidance to anyone wishing to use train services at Birmingham International after the evacuation of nearby Birmingham Airport. Just after 1pm, Solihull-based BHX told all passengers to stay away after suspending some operations due to a police incident.

Large crowds of people including holidaymakers were taken from the airport and held in areas including the NEC. Travellers took to social media to show huge crowds of passengers, staff and personnel being moved out of the area.

Some departures went ahead but arrivals into BHX were diverted, with thousands of people tracking various flights due to land into the city on flightradar. However just after 3:30pm, Birmingham Airport emphasised that the "investigation has now concluded", adding that operations "will slowly be returning to normal."

LIVE UPDATES: Birmingham Airport closed live amid major police incident

Despite parts of the airport being previously closed, train services are now fully accessible. However West Midlands Railway has issued a warning to all those planning to travel in the area. A West Midlands Railways spokesperson said just after 3pm: "Due to an Operational Incident, Birmingham Airport operations have been impacted, and passengers are advised to avoid the airport at this time.

"Train services through Birmingham International Station continue to run as normal. But we ask customers to travel safely." When asked by one customer if he would still be allowed to board a train at Birmingham International, West Midlands Railway replied: "Hi there, yes services are still running, but we advise customers to travel with care during this matter."

Bus services were also restored just before 3:30pm. Guidance has been issued for anyone planning to use Birmingham Airport this afternoon, which you can read more about here.

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson released a statement just after 3:30pm, stating: “Following a police investigation, some passengers were evacuated and we had to suspend departing flights for a couple of hours. That investigation has now concluded, and operations will slowly be returning to normal. All passengers are advised to check latest flight information from their airline.

“Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience and disruption, the safety and security of everyone at the airport was our number one priority as we worked through this incident with Police partners.”

West Midlands Police has confirmed that the airport was evacuated following reports of a "suspicious vehicle". The force said: "This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff."