Virgin worker 'link to paparazzi'

A Virgin Atlantic worker has quit over claims she passed on the flight details of eight celebrities to a paparazzi agency.

The stars whose travel plans were allegedly handed over are understood to be the Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, his former wife Cheryl, the Tottenham footballer Jermain Defoe, the actors Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Gwyneth Paltrow, and singers Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.

The airline launched an inquiry into claims that the woman handed the details to the Big Pictures agency, saying it would "deeply regret" any concern caused by the allegations. The accused worker, who held a relatively junior position, denies the claims.