Deportee slashes his throat as plane prepares to leave Gatwick

UK Border Agency launches inquiry after man cuts himself on Jamaica-bound 747 jet An illegal immigrant slashed his throat as he was being deported from London on a plane. The man is receiving treatment in hospital after the Virgin Atlantic flight from London Gatwick to Kingston, Jamaica, was postponed. A UK Border Agency spokesman said an investigation was being launched into how the man was able to inflict the “superficial injuries” on himself. The airline has offered counselling to passengers, who looked on in horror as the incident took place on Monday. Emergency services prevented more serious injury by “glueing” his throat together, a source said. A spokeswoman for the airline said: “Virgin Atlantic confirms that flight VS69 from London Gatwick to Kingston has been delayed until 12.45 on 21 June following a passenger incident. “Virgin Atlantic is cooperating with the authorities in their investigation of the incident and is offering counselling support to passengers and crew. “All passengers on board the plane have been provided with hotel accommodation, refreshments and meals until the flight departs tomorrow. Any passengers who wish to change their flights will be able to do so.” The Boeing 747-400 aircraft was carrying 449 passengers and 17 crew. Immigration and asylum Jamaica Air transport Boeing Virgin Group Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer guardian.co.uk

Posted by on June 20, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.