TWO men have been arrested after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Stansted Airport.

Officers boarded the plane and arrested the pair on suspicion of endangering an aircraft.

The Sri Lankan Airlines A330 Airbus, which was carrying 267 passengers and crew, was due to land at Heathrow Airport but was diverted to the airport just after 7.30pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Stansted said: "Stansted Airport can confirm a Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A330 diverted into Stansted at approximately 19.30.

"The aircraft, which was flying from Columbo to Heathrow, landed safely with Essex Police in attendance. The airport is open and flights are arriving and departing as normal."

A spokesman for Essex Police added: "Essex Police officers boarded the aircraft and arrested two men on suspicion of endangering an aircraft. The passengers have been removed safely. Inquiries are ongoing." 

A 49-year-old male passenger and a 57-year-old male passenger were arrested.

The 49-year-old is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital and the other is in custody at Harlow police station.

They will be interviewed by detectives. The incident is being treated as a criminal investigation.

 

All passengers left the aircraft safely and have travelled onwards to Heathrow by coach.