More than 250 holidaymakers were last night stranded on the Island after an alleged incident of 'air rage'.

A passenger jet en route from Gatwick to Vero Beach in Cuba was forced to divert to Bermuda after a mid-air incident said to have involved a 30-year-old man.

Passengers aboard First Choice Airways flight FCA 082 spoke last night of being frightened by the ordeal, and of their relief – including loud cheers – when Bermuda Police Service officers boarded the plane after it had landed and took one of the passengers into custody.

The jet – containing 268 passengers – was already delayed four hours prior to its UK departure, resulting in pilots running out of flight hours on arrival in Bermuda at 6.45 pm.

Michael Osborn, terminals manager at L.F. Wade International Airport, told The Royal Gazette last night: "The flight was diverted as a result of a disruptive passenger, but as the flight had left four hours late the crew ran out of hours, and will now have to stay in Bermuda.

"The passengers are calm and are filling out immigration forms at the moment. The gentleman is in custody."

Dominic Carman, a UK journalist who was travelling to Cuba with his wife and three children, said that during the mid-air drama: "The captain made an announcement that people who were drinking duty free they had brought with them should not drink any more."

Soon afterwards, due to what was allegedly happening onboard, the captain announced the decision to land on the Island.

On arrival in Bermuda, Mr. Carman said fellow passengers cheered as Bermuda Police Service officers came aboard to remove a 30-year-old from the aircraft.

A Police spokesman said last night: "There was an unruly passenger who had to be taken off the aircraft. He is currently being processed."

FCA 082 is expected to resume its route this morning after the crew have completed statutory rest times, as per aviation regulations.