UK police arrest Ryanair stewards on smuggling charges

It has emerged that two Ryanair stewards were arrested earlier this week after allegedly trying to smuggle thousands of cigarettes through Liverpool Airport.

Just under 14,000 cigarettes - worth around €7,600 - were seized at John Lennon Airport on Tuesday and two people were arrested by the UK Border Force in connection with the incident.

In a statement, Ryanair has said it is not in a position to comment on criminal investigations other than to note that the individuals were off duty at the time of the alleged offences.

The two will appear before Manchester Magistrates Courts on September 17 charged in connection with evading tax duty.