<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=629 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=3>Alert shuts Los Angeles airport


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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- E IIMA -->Parts of Los Angeles international airport have been shut after a possible security breach, authorities say.

An airport spokesman said there were two separate incidents.

Unconfirmed reports say a torch exploded. Officials did not comment on reports of injuries. There were no details on the second incident.

Three terminals in the Tom Bradley International Terminal were evacuated. Planes were being allowed to land, but not to take off, a spokesman said.

All roads to and from the airport were blocked.

Los Angeles airport, often known by its LAX code, is one of the world's busiest airports. It was the target of a bomb plot that was foiled before it could be put into action around New Year's Day 2000. On 4 July 2000, three people were shot dead at the ticket desk of the Israeli El Al airline. <!-- E BO -->



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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3628110.stm