A British air passenger has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in business class on a transatlantic overnight flight.

The alleged victim, also understood to be British, said she was attacked while others slept on the flight from Newark, New Jersey, to London.

She complained to United Airlines staff who called ahead to report her claims to police, according to The Sun.

Officers carried out a forensic examination of the area where the alleged attack took place, a source said.

The man was arrested and taken into custody at Heathrow police station. He was released pending further inquiries.

The two people apparently did not know each other but were seen talking and drinking at the bar in the cabin’s lounge during the flight, the source said.

The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers met the aircraft on arrival and arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of rape. He has been released under investigation.

“The complainant, a 40-year-old woman, is being supported by specialist officers and inquiries are ongoing.”

Related posts:

Thousands with learning disabilities and autism still being held in mental health hospitals Euro 2020: England fined £25,630 after laser pointer shone at Denmark keeper during semi-final Woman charged with murder of pensioner after body found in woodland Gareth Southgate tells England fans their ‘support and energy has given us a huge lift’ Jab trial participants to be offered approved vaccine doses so they can travel abroad Man admits to killing two women 34 years after bodies found in Kent Meghan’s letter to dad ‘written with public consumption in mind’, court hears Yorkshire CCC suspends first XI coach over ‘historical’ tweet Revealed: The caver who was rescued after two-day Brecon Beacons ordeal Domestic abuse victims ‘forced to stay with their abuser’ after being denied legal aid Ban on Yorkshire hosting internationals at Headingley lifted after cricket racism scandal prompts changes Patient dies of Ebola-like Lassa fever as third case in UK confirmed, health officials say