Holiday makers in plane scare

A plane carrying British holidaymakers to the Gambia has diverted to Portugal after fears there was a technical problem.

The A300 aircraft operated by Monarch, which took off from Gatwick, landed at Faro on the Algarve, a Monarch spokeswoman said.

The 262 passengers were unhurt and are expected to continue their journey to Banjul on another aircraft.

The airline spokeswoman said: "Approximately two hours into the flight, the crew received a warning that there was a technical problem with the aircraft and as a precautionary measure the captain made the decision to land at Faro.

"We are currently investigating the problem and are making arrangements for the passengers to continue their journey on another aircraft as soon as possible."

She denied a report that it was an emergency landing or that one of the engines had failed.

The vast majority of those on board would be British holidaymakers, she said.