This plane that was escorted into Manchester airport

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

BBC link

Forgive my ignorance, but what was the purpose of the military jet? How could it have helped?

[The3Bears]

Apparently to shoot the plane down had there been a bomb on it, over somewhere quiet or the sea.

[Arion]

I would imagine it is there to shoot the plane down if it posed a threat (like the 9/11 planes were used as weapons).

[The3Bears]

This is what I was told so hope I'm correct, I actually saw the plane and jet as live v near Manchester airport.

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Ah, they'd have instructed the pilot to ch age the route to a less populated area?

Wow.

[QueenOfThorns]

Yes, I always assumed it was to shoot them down if they had no choice

I saw/heard it, too. I was trying to get DD out of the car into the house without waking her up and had to wait until it had gone. Very, very loud and a bit scary because the clouds were thick and I didn't see the jet for a while. It must have gone right over me at one point.

[The3Bears]

I have to admit I'm so glad we've already been on our annual summer holiday in June as with all these plane stories on the news there is no way I could get on one atm (already scared of flying anyway)

[littleducks]

All very worrying recently. I'm still concerned that they don't know where that Malaysia Airways plane is either.

[edamsavestheday]

Who the hell makes that shit up, if it was a hoax? It says the pilot was passed a note. Beyond belief. (Although there are few details so far, to be fair.)