‘Wanted’ passenger arrested on board Pakistan Airlines flight intercepted by RAF Typhoons after ‘anonymous call about security threat’

A PASSENGER pictured being detained by cops on the PIA flight, which was sensationally intercepted by RAF Typhoons, was wanted by the Met Police.

The Heathrow-bound Flight PK757 from Lahore was forced to land at Stansted after an "anonymous phone call about a security threat".

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British police had earlier said the jet was diverted after reports of a disruptive passenger, but the airline revealed a security threat had been made.

Now Scotland Yard has confirmed that the bearded man being led off the flight by cops was wanted by the Met Police.

Khalid Baqa, 52, a UK national of Priory Road, Barking, has been charged with committing fraud by false representation.

Police have confirmed his arrest was not connected with any incident onboard the plane.

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A Met police spokesman said: “It appears to be a coincidence that there was a passenger onboard who was due to be arrested in a pre-planned arrest.

“As far as we know it was not related to the divergence of the aircraft. Whether it was exacerbated by the passenger onboard who was to be arrested, we do not know.”

The plane, which took off from Pakistan's second largest city, landed at about 3pm and was met by cops.

A Pakistan International Airlines spokesperson said: "It is explained that UK authorities received some vague security threat through an anonymous phone call regarding PIA's Lahore-Heathrow flight PK-757 before it's landing at Heathrow, after which, as per their standard procedures the aircraft was diverted to Stansted Airport.

"Security clearance is underway."

The airline said all passengers are safe.

An RAF spokesman said: “The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft.

"The aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted airport.”

Stansted Airport, in Essex, is the default airport for any security threat but remained open with the aircraft held away from the main terminal.

Were you aboard the aircraft? Call Mark Hodge on 02077824398 or email [email protected]

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The flight was diverted from Heathrow to Stansted

The RAF  handed the incident over to police after the plane landed.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "An aircraft was diverted to Stansted Airport at around 3pm this afternoon, Tuesday, February 7, while over UK airspace en-route to Heathrow Airport due to reports of a disruptive passenger on board.

"The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries. There is no disruption to the ongoing operation of Stansted Airport.

"This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter."

PIA had earlier tweeted: "#PIA flight bound for Heathrow from Lahore has been diverted to #Stanstead due to reasons aboard the airport."

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