An Air Malta flight from London Heathrow had to return to the terminal this afternoon following a disturbance by a passenger.

The man got to his knees and started chanting, apparently in Arabic, and ignored instructions by the purser to return to his seat.

According to reports there was a 'panic' among some passengers. The aircraft returned to its terminal slot.

It had been taxing and preparing for take-off at the time of the incident.

The passengers were disembarked for security procedures and the British police arrested the man who had caused the disturbance.

The flight, which had already been delayed by bad weather, is due to arrive in Malta just before 10 p.m.