Heathrow body scan without blushes

Body scanners which allow security checks without displaying graphic images of passengers could be introduced at Heathrow airport.

A cartoon image of the body will be produced, with any suspicious item showing up as a yellow box. It follows concerns that current X-ray scanners are an invasion of privacy.

The new scanners use electromagnetic waves which bounce off the body, and the images produced can be viewed by both the security officer and the passenger. Under the X-ray system, graphic images are viewed by security officials in an enclosed area.

The new scan would replace the full body search when passengers set off the metal detector at security.

The trial began last week. Ian Hutcheson, security director at airport owner BAA, said: "We are constantly looking for ways to ensure high security standards don't have a negative impact on passenger experience. The new scanners are an important step towards meeting this goal."

Body scanners were introduced in the UK after Nigerian student Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to detonate an explosive device hidden in his underwear on a flight to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009.

At Manchester airport, where X-ray scanners are used, a spokesman said of the new system: "We don't believe it is sufficiently developed for operational use."

Passengers at Heathrow Terminals one and five will undergo infrared "facial recognition" scans before boarding from this month, to cut queues and spot potential terrorists.