This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/8353768.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
'Drunk' pilot is held at Heathrow 'Drunk' pilot is held at Heathrow
(about 1 hour later)
A United Airlines pilot has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk at London's Heathrow Airport, a Scotland Yard spokesman has said. A United Airlines pilot was arrested on suspicion of being drunk on board a plane at Heathrow Airport on Monday, a Scotland Yard spokesman has said.
He was arrested before he was due to board a plane at the airport on Monday. The 51-year-old, who has not been named, was breath-tested and taken to London's Heathrow police station.
The 51-year-old, who has not been named, was taken to Heathrow police station and was later released on police bail. The plane's departure to Chicago was "imminent", with 124 passengers and 11 crew members on board, when the arrest took place, a Heathrow spokesman said.
It is not known if any passengers were on board when the man was arrested or how soon before departure it was. Passengers were put on to other planes after the flight was cancelled.
'Strict policy'
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At 12.30pm on 9 November we attended a flight at Heathrow Airport and arrested a 51-year-old man.A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At 12.30pm on 9 November we attended a flight at Heathrow Airport and arrested a 51-year-old man.
"He was arrested on suspicion of being aviation staff while exceeding the proscribed alcohol limit and about to take the plane." "He was arrested on suspicion of being aviation staff performing an aviation function while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit."
Police are awaiting the outcome of further tests. Police are awaiting the outcome of further tests on the man.
"He was reported to police by United Airlines staff, said a BAA Heathrow spokesman.
A United Airlines spokeswoman said: "Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation.
"United Airlines' alcohol policy is amongst the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy."