Police drafted into Heathrow amid public disorder fears

Extra police are to be drafted into Heathrow after passengers who had been held in long queues tried to push past immigration officers without having their passports checked.

Immigration officers also claimed they had been subjected to verbal and racist abuse from passengers and slow hand-clapping by those frustrated at the delays.

The Immigration Services Union told the Daily Telegraph its members were seeing public disorder issues in queues at the airport, which have been up to half-a-mile long in recent days.

Spokeswoman Lucy Moreton said extra police would be more visible around the arrivals hall and they would move quickly to areas where staff feared trouble might break out.

However, Heathrow said it was unable to comment on where, when and how many extra police would be deployed as it was a matter for the Metropolitan Police. TravelMole has asked the Met Police Office for further information.

Meanwhile Heathrow is still advising passengers to avoid travelling to the airport by car as the M4 remains closed between junctions two and three, causing long traffic jams on the main routes into and out of the airport.

The motorway, which has been closed due to a crack in the road, is expected to reopen tomorrow.

By Linsey McNeill

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

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slow clappers

Whilst I strongly disaprove of anyone adopting "push & shove" tactics, I urge people to slow clap if they are not happy with the service the airport provides, we are all charged directly or indirectly, and we have a right to protest, or is this now a police state where we are no longer permiited to speak out.

By John Stirling, Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Obvious

It is obvious the immigration staff are working slowly to create exactly this type of press coverage. I feel sorry for the public been used to get more money and more staff. Has anybody actually seen all the desks occupied at any airport in the UK, i doubt it!!!

By Peter Baker, Thursday, July 19, 2012
Unacceptable

There is something unacceptable about this situation. This is a bigger issue than just the travel business, Heathrow or immigration. Something's going wrong, very wrong.

By Roger Ellman, Wednesday, July 11, 2012
3rd World Country

At least at the main port of entry - but what's new ? I hope the UK Border Agency management take pride in the 1st impression they are giving so many visitors on the eve of the Olympic Games. What a shambles.

By Charles Mabey, Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Get the police behind the desks!

Perhaps getting the cops behind the immigration desks would be better use of their resources instead of disciplining 'slow hand clappers'? Half a mile long queues? Do we really blame people for becoming frustrated? What a joke.

By Tim Anderson, Wednesday, July 11, 2012
couldn't orgnanise a root in a brothel

this sounds as hopeless as the Australian Labor govt !!!

By Michael Anderson, Wednesday, July 11, 2012