Police at Gatwick Airport are dealing with an increased number of bomb-in-suitcase 'jokes' following the terrorist attacks in America.

In the last two weeks there have been more than a dozen passengers making gags about having weapons in their luggage.

PC Kevin Clark said: "It is beyond belief in the light of the recent terrible events that people think it's funny to make these remarks.

"What amazes us is that these comments are made by normal, intelligent people."

In the most recent incidents a 28-year-old doctor from Scotland boarded a plane for Edinburgh and told a stewardess he had guns and tear gas in his luggage.

The doctor was escorted from the plane, his luggage removed and British Airways refused to fly him. PC Clark said the man was "strongly advised" about his comments, which he withdrew.

He admitted he had been stupid and apologised.

In another incident a 40-year-old portfolio manager was overheard in the central search area saying he had bombs in his luggage.

He was arrested and his cases were removed from the flight. He was given police bail pending further investigations.

PC Clark said many of the other incidents involved passengers who had been drinking.