A US-bound flight diverted to Shannon Airport this afternoon after the crew declared a medical emergency over the North Atlantic. British Airways flight BA-177 had taken off from London’s Heathrow at around 1.

Parts of the UK are bracing for considerable disruption as heavy snow and freezing rain hit the country, with amber weather warnings now in force. Areas of northern England, the Midlands and Wales are forecast to be among the worst hit as wintry weather pushes northwards throughout the night,

A number of UK airports - including Manchester and Liverpool - have closed their runways due heavy snow overnight causing delays, cancellations and diversions. All incoming flights have been diverted away from Manchester Airport due to being unable to land,