A British tourist was arrested for allegedly trying to open a plane door during a flight to Lanzarote. Two off-duty cops heading to the island on holiday reportedly had to intervene and bring the man under control before his detention once the plane landed.
The unnamed traveller is said to have been under the influence of drunk or drugs, resisted arrest and injured three officers before being taken off the plane in handcuffs.
The Spanish Association of Civil Guards (AEGC) revealed they had gone to hospital after the incident and said officers should be armed with tasers to deal with problem passengers like the ‘violent’ tourist they encountered on Thursday.
The airline he was travelling with has not been identified. Police sources informed that he had been aggressive throughout the flight and tried to open an emergency door at one point.
They also said two off-duty officers travelling to Lanzarote for a holiday were thought to have been British. However, there has not been any official confirmation of their nationalities, had intervened before the plane landed to overpower the problem passenger.
The injuries the officers suffered are not considered serious but have led to them having to take time off work to recover.
The organisation added in a statement: ‘The British tourist assaulted three police officers at Lanzarote Airport when they tried to remove him from a plane.
The British tourist was due to appear in court late on Friday, although court officials could not be reached by Saturday morning to comment on the case.
