Terror Plot Foiled In London

Cops Say Terrorists Were Planning To Blow Up Planes Flying To U.S.

(CBS/AP)  British Prime Minister Tony Blair's office said in London that the prime minister, vacationing in the Caribbean, briefed President Bush on the situation overnight.

There was no immediate public reaction from the White House. Bush is spending a few days at his ranch near Crawford, Texas.

"The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands," said Chertoff.

U.S. intelligence, particularly the CIA, has been working closely with Britain on the investigation, which has been ongoing for months, the second official said.

That official also says that authorities have not yet arrested or detained all suspects who are believed to be involved in the plot.

As a result of the plot, new security precautions have been put into effect at airports in both England and the United States.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander, speaking at a Thursday news conference in London, asked air travelers to show patience and understanding of the new rules, which he says will be in effect "as long as the situation demands."

Heathrow airport, the busiest in Europe, was closed to most European flights Thursday morning. The block on incoming traffic applies to flights of three hours or less, affecting most of the incoming traffic from Europe, according to an airport spokesman.

Air France canceled all morning flights to Heathrow, saying it acted because the airport is "saturated." The French Interior Minister meanwhile cancelled his vacation to return to Paris for an urgent meeting on security, with police and intelligence officials.

Extra security measures in place include a ban on carry-on luggage, including purses too big to fit in a passenger's pocket. Passengers are allowed to take personal items - such as their passport, eyeglasses and cash - so long as they are in see-through plastic bags.

Eyeglass cases are not permitted. There are also rules on medicines: prescription medicines can be taken on board, in an amount necessary for the duration of the flight, unless they are in liquid form, in which case the authenticity of the medicine must be verified.

Contact lenses are allowed, but bottles of contact lens solution – which were eyed years ago as a potential terrorist tool – are not.

Keys are allowed as carry-ons. Electronic key chains are not, and all electric or battery-powered items, including laptops, cellphones, ipods, must be in checked, not carry-on, baggage.

In the U.S., Homeland Security Michael Chertoff says the threat level has been increased to Red – that is, severe - for commercial flights originating in England bound for the U.S., and Orange – that is, high - for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the U.S.

"Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane," said Chertoff, in a statement issued just after 3 a.m. "Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints."

"These measures will continue to assure that our aviation system remains safe and secure," Chertoff added. "Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials."