British boy flew to Rome without papers

British authorities said on Wednesday they are investigating how an 11-year-old boy was able to board an aeroplane to Rome without any documents – just days before the Olympics.

Liam Corcoran passed through security at Manchester airport, in northern England, without being checked, before making his way on to the Jet2.com flight on Tuesday.

He had no ticket, passport or boarding card.

“This extremely serious matter is now being urgently investigated by officials from the airport and airline.

“It is clear that documentation has not been checked correctly at security and the boarding gate,” said a spokesman.

However, he had gone through the full security screening.

Preparations were being made to arrange his return to Britain “sensitively to avoid any distress.”

Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium is the venue for the men’s Olympic football competition kicking off Thursday.