A terrorism expert has backed Stansted as a secure airport despite a gun and a fake bomb being smuggled past security staff.

Government inspectors got the weapons past security checks at the airport without any sophisticated attempt to conceal them, it was reported today (Tuesday).

A Department of Transport inspector walked through a metal detector and was in a position to board an aircraft with a handgun tucked into the back of his trousers.

The alarm went off but staff who searched him with hand scanners missed the weapon hidden in the small of his back.

A fake bomb hidden in a carrier bag also got through an X-ray machine without being spotted.

The report in the Sun newspaper said the tests were carried out as part of a regular programme by Department of Transport inspectors.

But former Army officer Mike Yardley said passengers should not be worried about travelling through Stansted.

Mr Yardley, who lives in Brightlingsea and has written a number of books on terrorism, described the airport as one of the safest in the world and he said terrorist bosses would never target it to smuggle guns or explosive devices.

He added: "It is already known that Stansted is not one they would choose. There are plenty of other airports were they would have greater success such as in southern Europe."

Mr Yardley said the lapse in security could be down to low staff morale. He said the job of security staff was often boring and when there was a long line of passengers the pressure of the job increased quickly.

Stansted security staff have received a memo from their manager, Neil Perry, offering staff more training.

Chris Butler, operations director for BAA, which runs Stansted, confirmed security was being reassessed in the wake of the inspection but would not comment on the details of specific tests.

"The safety and security of all our customers is BAA's highest priority at all times," he said.

"We work closely with the Department of Transport to ensure the effective implementation of airport security practices which are laid down by government. The tests referred to are part of this continuous assessment.

"We take our security responsibilities very seriously, hence the memo to staff, and you can be assured that measures have been taken to assess this matter."

A spokesman for the Department of Transport said they have been talking to BAA about the results of this test.

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