Luton Airport in London has been evacuated after a security alert, disrupting flights for thousands of passengers.

Pictures on Twitter showed hundreds of travellers outside the terminal at the Bedfordshire airport.

All incoming flights have been suspended and the approach road to the airport has been closed.

The airport says they are "working closely with the police to ensure minimum inconvenience, but we must ensure that the safety of all remains top priority."

Further updates regarding security and operations at the Airport will be provided as soon as possible. #securityalert

— London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) September 8, 2014

A spokeswoman for the airport said "London Luton Airport has evacuated the terminal building after a suspicious item was found in the security search area."

"The decision has been taken with the police to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff."

"Further updates regarding the security and operations at the airport will be provided as soon as possible."

The airport is advising passengers to contact their airlines to establish the status of their flights.

Britain recently raised its terrorism alert to its second-highest level, saying Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq posed the greatest-ever security threat to the UK.