'Naked' scanner in airport

A human X-ray machine that creates "naked" images of passengers is on trial at Manchester Airport, according to a report by the BBC.

Authorities say the new system will speed up security checks by quickly revealing any concealed weapons or explosives.

However, there is some issue over the fact the scans will also show up breast enlargements, body piercings and intimate parts of the body.

The airport was quick to add that the images were not pornographic and would be destroyed immediately.

Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience at the airport, told the BBC most passengers did not like the traditional "pat down" search.

At Manchester Airport's Terminal 2, passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes and belts when they go through security.

Ms Barrett said: "This scanner completely takes away the hassle of needing to undress.

She added that the black and white image would only be seen by a single officer in a remote location before being deleted.

The scanners cost £80,000 each and work by beaming electromagnetic waves on to passengers as they stand in a booth.

A virtual three-dimensional image is then created from the reflected energy.

The Department for Transport will decide whether to install them permanently in about a year's time.