Met Police Officers were lying in wait as flight VS008 touched down after reports a gang of teens had “endangered” passengers and crew mid-air.
Nine teens – aged 17 and 18 – are said to have endangered the aircraft(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Nine teenagers were arrested after allegedly sparking chaos on board a flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow.
Metropolitan Police Officers were waiting on the tarmac as the Virgin Atlantic VS008 came in to land after reports of passengers being “endangered” mid-air by a gang of rowdy youths, reports the Mirror.
The group – all aged 17 and 18 – were arrested by officers on Monday on suspicion of refusing to follow crew instructions and putting the safety of the aircraft at risk.
A spokesperson for the Met today said all nine were released with no further action taken.
A Met spokesperson said: “Nine individuals – aged 17 and 18 – were arrested on Monday, July 14, at Heathrow Airport after disembarking a flight from Los Angeles. All were arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with crew directions and endangering aircraft.
“They were taken into custody and were released without charge. Enquiries continue.”
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A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told MyLondon: “We’d like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused following the arrival of the VS008 at London Heathrow on July 14, due to disruptive passengers being apprehended by the authorities.
“This is now a matter for the police, and we are unable to comment any further. The safety and welfare of our people and our customers is always our top priority.”
Heathrow Airport declined to comment.
The incident comes just weeks after a major security scare at the same airport, when a man was filmed sprinting across the runway as aircraft taxied around him.
The unidentified man was chased by several workers and eventually tackled to the ground by police and detained.
Footage showed him wearing an object strapped to his waist as he weaved between planes, with onlookers gasping: “That is not right.”
He was finally intercepted by two men in hi-vis vests who arrived in a van and pinned him down before police swooped. A van was seen racing across the runway before he was bundled inside.