BA pair arrested over 'hit-and-run with jet'

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Two British Airways ground staff workers have been arrested after an alleged "hit-and-run" involving a passenger jet at Heathrow airport, it was revealed today.

The pair were in a 10-ton baggage truck which allegedly collided with a BA Airbus A321 aircraft.

According to the Daily Mirror, the two men - one aged 54 and 49 - drove away without reporting the incident.

It was only hours later, with the Aberdeen-bound plane about to taxi to the runway with 80 passengers aboard, that the damage was spotted and the plane taken out of service.

The incident happened last Friday morning but the damage was not spotted until around 8.30pm that day.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said today that ground crew at Heathrow had become aware of damage to the fuselage of an aircraft preparing for take-off.

He added that two men had been arrested and both had been bailed.

A BA spokeswoman said today: "Two members of our ground staff based at Heathrow were arrested following an incident where one of our aircraft was damaged.

"They were both questioned by the police and released on bail pending further inquiries. It would therefore be inappropriate to give further details.

"The two staff members have been given a precautionary suspension, without prejudice, while the police carry out their investigation."