A JET was forced into an emergency landing at Manchester Airport last week - because it was low on fuel.

The Britannia Boeing 767 was landing at 9.45am when the pilot requested a priority approach to the runway because it was running low of fuel.

"I can confirm that there was an incident on Monday September 17 that was declared a fuel emergency," said a spokesman for the National Air Traffic Services.

"A report has been filed and is subject to investigation."

On Monday a Manchester Airport spokesman confirmed that the incident had taken place.

"We are satisfied that the National Air Traffic Services are carrying out a thorough investigation," she said.

"It is their remit to deal with incidents that occur in the air."

Air traffic control gave the Britannia priority, but a woman alleged this week the move forced another jet to abort its landing and accelerate away from the runway.

Mobberley resident Heather Chapman, who informed the Knutsford Guardian about the incident, claimed the plane was so loud it shook her windows.

"I wouldn't usually notice the noise, but did on this occasion due to the fact that the windows shook," she said in an e-mail.

"I'm sure half of Mobberley heard the noise too."

But this week a spokesman for NATS said everything was safe.

"Other aircraft approaching the runway were sent around safely," he said.

"This just means that they did an extra circuit in the air before coming into land."

When it landed the Britannia jet was followed down the runway by firemen.

"When any craft declares an emergency situation it is standard procedure for emergency vehicles to go on the runway," he said. "At no time was there a danger to passengers on the plane or to people nearby.

"It was the standard airport safety procedure and it worked as intended."

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk