Sussex Police said a security cordon was placed in the airport after suspected prohibited item was discovered in the luggage.

"A security cordon is in place around the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage," police posted on X.

Police said the incident caused a significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

"A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the official X page of the airport wrote.

"Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing," the airport said.

Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK.

One traveller, who was identified as Nick Meacham, wrote on X: "Arrived at London Gatwick for routine connection. Got through customs to find out they're evacuating the entire airport. Even people through security are being taken outside. Trains shut down and 1000's of all over the streets and carparks waiting."

According to reports, a bomb disposal squad has been deployed to the airport.