Man removed from plane after ‘verbal altercation’ with DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

DUP source says man was verbally abusive towards Jeffrey Donaldson

Earlier this year, Jeffrey Donaldson told the House of Commons how he had been subjected to threats. Photograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty Images
Earlier this year, Jeffrey Donaldson told the House of Commons how he had been subjected to threats. Photograph: Charles Mcquillan/Getty Images

A man was removed from a plane at Heathrow following a row with DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson.

Police have confirmed a passenger was removed from the flight on Wednesday evening following a “verbal altercation”.

The DUP has declined to comment on the incident but a party source has confirmed Mr Donaldson was the other passenger involved.

The source said a man had been verbally abusive towards Mr Donaldson.

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A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At around 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 20th, airline staff at Heathrow airport made police aware of a verbal altercation involving two male passengers during boarding.

“One man was removed from the flight.

“There were no arrests.”

Earlier this year, Mr Donaldson told the House of Commons how he had been subjected to threats as he continued his negotiations with the UK government over a deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The DUP later confirmed the matter had been reported to the police.

An investigation into the alleged threats against Mr Donaldson detected no criminal offences, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said. – PA