Three held over alleged bomb threat at Heathrow

Officers boarded the Emirates flight, bound for Dubai, after a "verbal threat was made to staff" as the plane was taxiing shortly before take-off late Friday, London's Metropolitan Police said.

Three men aged 58, 48 and 36 were held but a search of the plane, which was carrying 331 passengers, uncovered nothing suspicious. The airliner has now been handed back to Emirates.

"They have been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb threat," police added.

Sky News television reported that the men arrested were English and appeared to be drunk. The airport -- the world's busiest international air hubs -- remained open during the incident.

The aborted flight was expected to leave at 1500 GMT Saturday. Emirates said in a statement: "The safety and security of all our passengers is paramount. We apologise for the inconvenience."