Nov 16 (Reuters) - A Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) plane

preparing for departure at Dallas Love Field airport was struck

by a bullet late on late Friday, prompting the aircraft to

return to the gate, the airline said in a statement.

"Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 was set to depart for

Indianapolis when a bullet apparently struck the right side of

the plane, just below the flight deck, as the crew was preparing

for takeoff," a Southwest ( LUV ) spokesperson said.

"No injuries were reported. Law enforcement authorities have

been notified and the plane has been removed from service."

The plane was preparing for departure from Dallas to

Indianapolis.

Dallas Love Field Airport said the security incident

occurred at around 9:50 p.m. local time and prompted a response

from Dallas police and Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Passengers were safely deplaned after the aircraft sustained

damage, the airport said in a statement without identifying the

airline.

Further details about the source of the bullet or the

circumstances of the incident were not immediately available.