Stansted: Plane Diverted & Two Arrested

21 September 2013, 05:44 | Updated: 22 September 2013, 07:54

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 yesterday evening but was diverted to the Essex airport just after 7.30pm. 

The remaining passengers are being looked after at a reception centre at Stansted and are due to be transferred to Heathrow this morning.

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

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.'' 

The incident is being treated as s criminal matter by Essex Police and is not terrorism-related.

Both arrested men, aged 49 and 57, are British nationals, Essex Police said.

The 49-year-old is being treated for a medical condition, not an injury, in hospital. 

The force said: "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.''

Update 22nd September 2013, 07:50.

One of the men arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of endangering an aircraft has been released on bail. 

A second man arrested is still being treated in hospital for a medical condition.