Easyjet plane in emergency landing at Gatwick Airport

An Easyjet plane carrying 157 passengers has made an emergency landing at Gatwick Airport after smoke was detected in the cockpit.

The Airbus A320 was en route from Liverpool to Naples when it touched down at about 07:20 BST.

An Easyjet spokesman said the plane, which had left Liverpool at 06:40 BST, landed safely and the passengers "remained calm".

"At no point was the safety of passengers threatened," he said.

"We now want to make sure we get the passengers to Naples as quickly as possible.

"Meanwhile, the plane is being inspected."

Emily Scott, who was a passenger on the flight, said concerns grew on the plane as the acrid smell of burning grew.

She said oxygen was used in the cockpit and the pilot announced there would be an emergency landing, but the crew remained "extremely calm and professional".

Firefighters met the plane after it landed and she boarded another plane after a two-hour wait. She has since arrived in Italy.

"I commend the crew and captain for handling the situation in such a calm manner," she said.

Meanwhile, passengers had to be evacuated from the North Terminal departure lounge after a fire alarm was activated in the Garfunkel's restaurant.

An airport spokeswoman said the false alarm happened at 08.30 BST and lasted about 20 minutes.

Passengers were kept airside while the lounge was isolated, she added.