SIXTY people escaped uninjured, and flights were diverted from Leeds Bradford after a plane's tyres burst on landing this afternoon.

The pilot managed to bring the Airbus A319 to a safe standstill despite the sudden damage to four of its six tyres as it landed at the airport around lunchtime.

Now air accident investigators are to probe the unusual incident in an attempt to establish the cause of the damage. And although the cause of the accident was not yet known a spokesman for BMI said there was no suggestion that it was suspicious.

The spokesman said: "The aircraft burst four tyres on landing. We don't know why at this stage."

He said the 60 passengers on board had all got off the plane safely, and now investigations would begin to establish the cause of the accident.

"It will be the subject of an investigation by the air accident investigations bureau - as is normally the case in these situations," he said.

"You do get burst tyres on occasion but for four to go at once is fairly unusual."

He added: "Obviously it would test the skill of the pilot but that is what they are trained for."

Flights were being diverted away from Leeds Bradford as the stricken aircraft remained on the airway after the dramatic arrival from London Heathrow - but passengers were still being advised to check in as normal.

A spokeswoman for Leeds Bradford said: "We have flights diverted because obviously the aircraft was on the run-way. All flights for now will most probably be diverted."

In a statement the airport said: "At 12.08 the bmi BD412 aircraft from London Heathrow experienced problems on landing due to burst tyres.

"All 60 passengers on board were disembarked safely.

"There are possible delays to afternoon departures, but passengers are advised to check in as normal."