Unidentified object causes disruption at Leipzig airport

An unidentified object caused disruption at Leipzig airport overnight into Wednesday, forcing the suspension of flight operations and the diversion of some aircraft, German police said.

Police said in a statement they were investigating after the object was seen flying near the airport shortly before midnight, prompting the diversion of several aircraft, including a passenger plane, to other airports.

A bomb disposal robot was deployed as part of the investigation, they said.

Police have not confirmed reports the object may have been a drone, but Germany has been on heightened alert in recent months over unauthorized drone activity following a string of incidents near airports, military sites and other sensitive infrastructure.

This is a developing story and will be updated.