A suspected terror plot to blow up aircraft leaving the UK has led to unprecedented levels of security at Birmingham airport and all others. Foiled terror plot Anti-terror police have arrested 21 people - two of them from Birmingham - and others in London and the Thames Valley area as stringent new security measures were imposed on all UK airports. Twenty-one people are being questioned about an alleged plot to cause "untold death and destruction" by blowing up as many as ten planes flying between Britain and the United States. It's understood the aim was to detonate liquid explosives smuggled on board flights to the United States in hand luggage. The government has raised its security threat level to critical - meaning a terrorist attack is considered to be imminent. Birmingham arrests Two men were arrested in Birmingham under the Terrorism Act and remain in police custody. Between 15 and 20 police officers, both uniformed and plain clothes, have raided business premises on Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green/ Alum Rock area in Birmingham. Police have now cordoned off the area around ACS Management Group. The arrests were part of a nationwide counter-terrorism operation co-ordinated by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorist Branch. No member of the public was injured during the arrests and no firearms officers were involved. West Midlands Police said: "While there is no specific threat to the West Midlands, as a precautionary measure and in line with the rest of the country we have an enhanced police presence at Birmingham International Airport. Hand luggage ban Mobile phones, glasses cases and laptops have all been banned from hand luggage - and parents are being asked to taste their infants' baby milk. Passengers flying out of the UK are being told to check in their hand luggage and carry only essential items such as wallets and prescription medicines on board inside clear plastic bags. They'll also be X-rayed and subjected to more rigorous security checks. British Airways has advised anyone who doesn't need to travel today to delay their trip. Birmingham International Airport Birmingham International Airport urged passengers to turn up for flights as normal, but to help speed up the check-in process by carrying no hand luggage unless it was absolutely essential, and putting these items in transparent plastic bags. They were also asked to arrive at the airport in plenty of time and not expect to check in at the last minute. An airport spokeswoman said; "We are operating to usual schedules. There are a few minor delays, some up to an hour, but they are moving through. We are not grounding flights but passengers should expect some delays." | 
