LONDON -- A 41-year-old man from France has been arrested in Gatwick airport after after he discarded an item, thought to be a firearm, according to multiple reports.
The North Terminal was evacuated as police dealt with the incident Saturday. Police say they were called at around 9.30 a.m. local time after suspicious actions by the man.
Gatwick is Britain's second busiest airport. Police have announced additional security at ports and big events in light of the attacks.
The terminal re-opened Saturday evening.
#Gatwick North Terminal is now open, please click here for an update on today’s incident https://t.co/8QAb7n2oTo— Sussex Police (@sussex_police) November 14, 2015
Passengers tweeted scenes earlier from the terminal:
Last view of Gatwick North before being evacuated further away pic.twitter.com/yGGn4z8uJ0— Tim Unwin (@TimUnwin) November 14, 2015
North terminal in #Gatwick evacuated. Current view from south... pic.twitter.com/cbMwY6dggY— Olivia Adams (@LivAdams2011) November 14, 2015
"At this time, we are investigating the circumstances of the incident and it is too early to say what the item may be. However, given the events in Paris on Friday evening, there is heightened awareness around any such incident and it is best that we treat the matter in all seriousness," Sussex Police said in a statement earlier Saturday.
"We are aware that there is concern about what has happened in France, but the general threat level remains the same and people should be aware as usual of anyone acting suspiciously."
Unlikely I'll fly from #gatwick_airport to Amsterdam. North terminal shut down for bomb alert. It's chaotic here. pic.twitter.com/pI1Wnpd1Sn— Charlie Winston (@Charlie_Winston) November 14, 2015
I just got stopped and searched by armed police at #Gatwick airport for taking pictures. It was scary. My legs are like jelly.— P.A Stewart (@PAWreckingBall) November 14, 2015
There must be a volume setting on your speaker @Gatwick_Airport we can't hear a thing pic.twitter.com/MjRTyIyPQp— voilarebecca (@voilarebecca) November 14, 2015
Back in the terminal attempting to reschedule my flight. Everyone v relieved. #Gatwick pic.twitter.com/Aaw8XO439h— Mr OKB (@ozaybooth) November 14, 2015
The Associated Press contributed to this report.