Naomi Campbell charged with assault after Terminal 5 fracas

Naomi Campbell has been charged with assaulting two police officers at Heathrow's newly-opened Terminal 5 last month. Ms Campbell, 38, was arrested in April after she boarded a plane for Los Angeles. As she was removed from the flight after a row over missing luggage, she is said to have assaulted two officers.

Yesterday, she answered bail at Heathrow police station and was charged with five offences. She is accused of three counts of assaulting a constable, one of disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and one count of using threatening, abusive words or behaviour to cabin crew. Each of the police assault allegations carries a maximum sentence of six months' imprisonment.

The model is due to appear at Uxbridge magistrates' court on 20 June. As she left the police station yesterday morning, Ms Campbell refused to speak to reporters. Her lawyer Simon Nicholls read a statement, saying: "Ms Campbell is bitterly disappointed that the prosecutors have advised her she is to be prosecuted for various offences. She respects that decision and hopes this matter is dealt with expeditiously."

Ms Campbell was one of the many passengers caught in the chaos at the opening of Heathrow's Terminal 5. British Airways is said to have lost the bags of 19,000 people, although it is believed the model was the only one of the thousands who were affected that was arrested.