Toy Story’s Woody apprehended in airport gun scare

Woody from Toy Story has probably never really been viewed as a threat to national security; his trademark cowboy boots and cute waistcoat hardly make him an imposing figure.

But the doll was apparently branded a terror risk at Heathrow Airport, because it was holding a miniature gun.

A bemused air traveller has claimed on a social networking site that Woody was examined at Heathrow by security staff, who then confiscated the doll’s tiny firearm.

The traveller, who backed up the claim by posting online a photo of Woody being impounded, said: “I have travelled the world with Toy Story’s Woody, taking pics for my son.”

The photo has instigated hundreds of comments on the Reddit website, with many users branding the security services as overzealous.

One user, Groonz, commented: “I’m just imagining what it would be like if he tried to hijack an airplane with that small gun. People squinting looking at his hand.”

Woody does not normally carry a gun, so it is unclear where the weapon came from.

Heathrow Airport refused to comment on the incident, but said that security rules are drawn up by the Department for Transport.

A spokesperson from the Department for Transport said: “We do not comment on specific incidents or details of our security regime. Airports and airlines can use their discretion to remove any item being carried in hand luggage when they believe it may be perceived as a threat.”