US-bound flight diverted to Ireland after security scare

A United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago was diverted to Ireland’s Shannon Airport Monday after a message perceived as a potential security concern was discovered on board, Irish police and airline officials said. The message made reference to a bomb on the plane, a source said. The 207 passengers and 11 crew members disembarked from the Boeing 767-330 at Shannon Airport at 2:15 p.m. local time, according to Irish police. The passengers of flight UA971 were in the process of being searched, they said. United said that the landing was due to “a potential security concern”. “After assessing the situation, our crew made the decision to divert to the nearest available airport,” it said. “Additional security screenings will be performed on all customers and baggage.” The airline said on Twitter that the flight was now cancelled and would depart for Chicago on Tuesday.<br/>