British passenger arrested on suspicion of raping woman in business class on US flight to Heathrow
The woman is being supported by specialist officers following the incident on a United Airlines plane
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a passenger on a flight from the US to Heathrow.
Officers boarded the United Airlines flight at Heathrow airport after being alerted to the incident just after 6:30am on 31 January.
A 40-year-old woman, also British, reportedly complained to United Airlines cabin staff on the New Jersey to Heathrow flight after she was allegedly forced to have sex in business class while others were asleep.
The man was later released on bail as further enquiries continue, the Metropolitan Police said.
A source told The Sun: “The woman said she was raped by the passenger during the flight while others were asleep.
“She was distraught and reported it to cabin staff who radioed ahead to police, who were waiting as the plane came in to land
“Police took it very seriously and forensic officers carried out a thorough examination of the area of the plane where it was said to have happened. Officers went on board the plane and detained the man before taking him away.”
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: “At 06:39hrs on Monday, 31 January police at Heathrow Airport were alerted to an incident on an inbound flight.
“Officers met the aircraft on arrival and arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of rape. He has been released under investigation.
“The complainant, a 40-year-old woman, is being supported by specialist officers and enquiries are ongoing.”
A spokesperson from United Airlines said the flight crew alerted police of the incident as soon as the complaint was received.
“We will cooperate with law enforcement on any investigation,” the spokesperson added.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.