A security alert on a British Airways plane in Paris was a false alarm, police say.

Passengers were evacuated from Flight BA303 at Charles de Gaulle airport on Sunday before it was due to fly to London for what officials said was a security reason.

Sniffer dogs checked the plane and found no threat, police said as they lifted the alert.

Earlier the BA flight from Paris was evacuated after passengers were told a “direct threat” had been made towards the aircraft.

Flight BA303 was due to take off bound for Heathrow in London when the incident occurred, with police and fire engines surrounding the plane on the tarmac.

Passenger, James Anderson, 20, said those on board were informed by the pilot that an individual had made a direct threat against the aircraft.

He tweeted: “Apparently an individual has made a direct threat to this aircraft.”