Image source, Getty Images Image caption,

Passengers using the gates follow instruction to scan their passports and face a camera

By Dulcie Lee & Rachel Russell

BBC News

Passengers flying into the UK are facing delays at passport controls as e-gates across the country have gone down.

The issue at airports, including Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick, began on Friday night.

The Home Office said it was working with airlines and port operators to minimise disruption from the "nationwide border system issue."

Unions warned queues would build quickly.

All airports across the country using the gates are affected, meaning people flying in are having to get their passports checked manually.

It is unclear what the issue is with the border system, with a Home Office spokesman saying it was "too sensitive to say".

However while it is technically affecting anywhere where people are checked coming into the UK, the impact is mainly being felt at larger airports with e-gates.

This weekend was already expected to be busy for travellers, with the bank holiday coinciding with the half-term break for many families.