Frenchman in court over Gatwick Airport security alert

A Frenchman accused of going into Gatwick Airport with an air rifle and a knife is due in court.

Jerome Chauris, 41, from Vendome, France, is scheduled to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court.

He is charged with possession of a dangerous article in an aerodrome and possession of a blade in a public place.

The incident, which took place at around 9.30am on Saturday, sparked a major security alert and passengers were forced to evacuate the North Terminal for six hours.

Sussex Police said: "Jerome Chauris, 41, unemployed and of no fixed address, but from Vendome, France, has been charged with possessing a dangerous article (an air rifle weapon) in any part of an aerodrome (Aviation Security Act 1982) and possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article (a lock knife) in a public place (Criminal Justice Act 1988)."