A reporter claims to have exposed security flaws at Coventry Airport after he was able to walk unchallenged on to the runway as part of a newspaper investigation.

Peter Ormerod, chief reporter at the Leamington Spa Courier, said he hoped that his experiment, which put the airport’s security systems to the test, would lead to improvements being made there.

The journalist was able to gain access to the airfield through a gap between two buildings and reached the airport’s main runway before deciding to turn back, and was eventually apprehended by staff.

He was then questioned by police before being released, and is not expected to face charges.

Peter told readers: “The most shocking aspect was not that it was possible, but that it was so easy.

“I was amazed at how straightforward I found it to get onto the airfield – and once I was there, it felt as if I could do anything I wanted. It’s worrying to think about the trouble someone with more malicious intentions could cause.

“I’m aware my actions could have been dangerous, but hopefully they will serve as a wake-up call to prevent anything more serious happening in the future.”

Peter launched his investigation after a tip-off from nearby residents who say that security is not tight enough, despite assurances by the airport that improvements have been made since no-frills airline Thomsonfly was launched there in March.

And after putting security to the test for himself, he told how he was able to get past two workmen and reach the runway, without question, with just a Thomsonfly bag for cover.

He told readers: “A few seconds’ walk to my right was the main control tower. It presented too easy a target, but it struck me that no target is too easy for anyone with more malicious intentions.

“Instead I looked across to the controversial temporary passenger terminal, with an aeroplane apparently being readied for boarding. It would be interesting, I thought, to see how far I could get towards it.

“I followed some asphalt tracks, bizarrely thinking that walking on the grass would get me into trouble, as if trespassing would not. They led me to a much wider, longer and blacker strip, right at the heart of the airfield. It was the airport’s main runway.”

After turning back Peter was approached by three airport firefighters in a small red van, who escorted him to an office, and he was then questioned by police.

But despite being caught, Peter says he exposed valid concerns.

Peter said: “I hope this false alarm will lead to an improvement in security and help to prevent anything of a similar but more serious nature happening again.

“This time, it was me. But it could have been someone with a far more deadly intention in mind.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]