Pilot fails breath test

An airline pilot has been arrested on a passenger plane at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being above the legal alcohol limit, police said.

Officers boarded a United Airlines plane at terminal one before it was due to take off on Sunday and arrested the 44-year-old under transport safety laws. The pilot, who has not been named, was given police bail to Jan. 16 next year, pending further inquiries.

A United Airlines spokeswoman said he has been suspended from duties, but declined to name the flight or give further details of the incident.

In a statement, the airline said: "United Airlines' alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have absolutely no tolerance for abuse or violation of this well-established policy.

"Safety is our number one priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are co-operating with the authorities and conducting a full investigation.