Fighter planes scrambled in jet passenger alert

TWO RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft were scrambled yesterday after reports a disruptive passenger on board a Heathrow-bound transatlantic flight tried to force her way into the cockpit.

The Typhoons, from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, went to assist an American Airlines Boeing 767 heading for London from Dallas/Forth Worth in Texas following reports of a woman passenger trying to get on to the flight deck.

The Typhoons returned to base when it was realised the incident was not terrorism-related. It is understood the woman suffered a panic attack.