Note Referred To A Bomb On The  Plane

A United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago was diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland on Monday after a message was found making reference to a bomb on the plane.

Reuters reports that airline officials and Irish police confirmed the threat. The airplane, a Boeing 767-300 with 207 passengers and 11 crew on board, landed at Shannon Airport at 1415 local time, according to Irish police.

The passengers were disembarked and searched, according to Irish Police representative Jim Molloy. No other details were provided.

In a statement, United said that the flight was diverted because of a "potential security concern."

"After assessing the situation, our crew made the decision to divert to the nearest available airport,” the statement said. “Additional security screenings will be performed on all customers and baggage.”

The handwriting on the note was analyzed to see if it was similar to other such notes that are occasionally found on airplanes, according to the report. It was found in one of the aircraft's lavatories, but it was not known if it was placed there before or during the flight.

The Irish Times reports that handwriting samples were taken from the passengers for analysis as well.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report