BA flight lands short of runway

The emergency escape chutes were used

Passengers have been led to safety after a passenger jet landed short of the runway at Heathrow Airport.

The plane was British Airways flight BA38 from Beijing to London.

Six ambulances were sent to the scene and three people are being reported for minor injuries. Emergency services remain at the scene.

The incident happened as Prime Minister Gordon Brown was due to leave Heathrow for China and India. His flight was delayed because of the incident.

Eyewitness John Rowland said: "The plane's wheels collapsed, doors were flown open.

"On its approach it took the runway too low, just missing the roof of my cab.

"It crashed into the runway, debris was flying everywhere, there was an enormous bang and it skidded sideways.