A major emergency plan for Cork Airport was activated late last night - after a plane with over 150 people on board was forced to carry out an emergency landing.

The plane from Belfast to Reus in Spain was diverted over fears of a fuel leak.

The aircraft with 149 passengers and five crew circled Cork city three times as the emergency plan for the airport was activated involving the fire services, HSE ambulances and gardai.

But the pilot landed the plane - and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated at around midnight.

The plane is being examined and it's expected the passengers will be flown to Reus later today.

Kerry Graye reports: