United flight diverts to Maine after 'unruly' passenger

A flight from London to New Jersey was diverted and landed in Maine, after reports of an "unruly passenger".

The United Airlines flight left Heathrow on Friday morning and was due to land at Newark, but instead was diverted to Bangor International Airport.

According to air traffic control recordings, there was an "unruly passenger" near the rear of the plane.

Two passengers were removed from the flight, police said.

Bangor Police Department said their officers assisted Customs and Border Protection and the FBI, who are now handling the investigation.

After a seven-hour journey across the Atlantic, FlightRadar shows flight UA883 on a path toward New York before making a sharp detour south-east toward Bangor.

It later took off again for Newark Liberty International Airport.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said: "United Airlines Flight 883 landed safely at Bangor International Airport in Maine around 10am local time on Friday, March 1, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance.

"The Boeing 767 departed from Heathrow Airport in London and was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. Please contact law enforcement for more information."

In air traffic control recordings, an air traffic controller can be heard asking the pilots whether it was a "level two or level three threat".