LONDON (REUTERS) - London's Heathrow Airport briefly suspended flights from one of its terminals on Friday (May 5) due to a security issue earlier that day, a spokesman said.

"Departures were suspended for a short time from Terminal 3 due to a security issue. We are very sorry to any passengers whose journeys are affected," the airport spokesman said without elaborating.

Heathrow, which has five main terminals, is one of the world's busiest airports and terminal 3 mainly services long-haul flights, although it also offers some European destinations.

London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement that police are investigating a report of a suspicious item detected during a baggage check. "We are working with Heathrow Terminal 3 after a report of a suspicious item detected by an X-ray of luggage," it said.

The police were called in at 7.59am (2.59pm, Singapore time) as the security scare sparked chaos among thousands flying out from the airport. Many took to Twitter to complain about lack of information on the delay.

On Thursday, counter-terror police arrested a 30-year-old man as he arrived at the airport on a flight from Istanbul. Police said the man was held on suspicion of preparing to commit terrorist acts.