Pilot arrested at Heathrow for trying to smuggle knives on board a plane

Police were called to apprehend the pilot, who has now been freed on bail, when he was found with 'some knives'. Photo / NZPA

An airline pilot due to fly over 260 passengers from London to Hong Kong has been arrested at Heathrow airport after he was allegedly found to be in possession of a number of knives.

A spokesperson for the airline Cathay Pacific said that the flight which was due to travel from London Heathrow to Hong Kong at 10:20PM in Saturday was delayed following a "crew related incident."

The Metropolitan Police said they were called to a staff search area at Heathrow at around 9:10PM on Saturday and found the member of the flight crew in possession of "some knives."

A Met police spokesman said: "Officers attended and subsequently a member of the flight crew, a man, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and possession of knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place.

"He was taken into custody at a local police station where he was later bailed to return in mid-May pending further inquiries. The CID at Heathrow airport is investigating."

The man, who is believed to be 61, has been taken to a local police station and has been bailed until next month.

The incident is being investigated by Heathrow CID and has not been passed to Scotland Yard's counter terrorism branch.

A spokesman for Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong based airline, said: "Cathay Pacific can confirm that CX254 was delayed due to a crew-related incident concerning some items found in the pilot's hand luggage.

"At no point were passengers or staff put at risk. Given timings, Cathay Pacific were unable to organise a relief crew and therefore passengers experienced an overnight delay. Cathay Pacific takes this very seriously and is liaising with the relevant authorities.

"The airline assisted passengers with overnight accommodation and alternative flight arrangements."

They added that the Boeing 777 flight had departed at 14:47 BST on Sunday and arrived in Hong Kong at 09:31 BST on Monday.

- Independent