Three British men were arrested at L.F. Wade International Airport on New Year's Eve after their unruly behaviour caused a flight to be diverted to Bermuda.

The holidaymakers — aged 35, 26 and 25 — were travelling on a charter plane from Manchester in England to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

They are alleged to have been drunk, violent and abusive on the First Choice plane. Sussex Police told The Daily Telegraph newspaper in the UK that the men would all be questioned about alleged homophobic public order offences, affray and smoking on board the plane.

The Boeing 767-300, operated by Thomson Airways and carrying about 250 passengers, was forced to land in Bermuda just after 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, when the three men were met by Police and taken into custody. The captain is said to have made the decision due to concern about fighting on board.

The 35-year-old, from Burnley, Lancashire, was repatriated to the UK on Thursday and was reported to have been arrested at London Gatwick on suspicion of endangering an aircraft. The other two were yesterday due to be sent back when plane seats could be found for them.

Sussex Police said there had been "serious disruption on board" the flight.

Chief Inspector Ed Henriet, of Gatwick Police, told the newspaper: "We take matters such as these extremely seriously and we are very grateful to the crew and operator of this aircraft for their assistance with our investigation.

"The airlines, the police and the courts will not tolerate such behaviour and people who endanger aircraft in this manner can expect to receive custodial sentences."

Thomson spokeswoman Kate Lee told The Royal Gazette that flight TOM 133 to Punta Cana was diverted to the Island due to disruptive passengers.

She said: "Upon landing in Bermuda, the three disruptive passengers were met by local airport officials and placed in their custody. The safety of all our customers and crew is our number one priority and Thomson Airways operates a zero-tolerance policy in regards to abusive or drunken behaviour on our flights.

"Incidents of this type are extremely rare. However, the safety of our crew and customers is our first priority at all times and we do not tolerate disruptive or threatening behaviour on board our aircraft."

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said the three Brits were escorted off the flight and arrested. "There were no reported injuries and no damage to the plane," he said.

"One of the suspects was repatriated to the UK on Thursday while the two other men allegedly involved will be repatriated as soon as possible. It is anticipated that all three men will be dealt with by UK authorities upon their return."

Wendell Burchall, acting general manager at the airport, said the unruly passengers caused disruption to other passengers and crew.

"The aircraft landed without incident at 17.31 hours and was met by the response agencies," he said. "Three offending persons were escorted off the aircraft and placed into Police custody." He said British holiday firm Thomas Cook chartered the flight and would pay the repatriation costs.

The plane was refuelled and left Bermuda for Punta Cana at about 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, arriving at its destination about four hours late.

Another First Choice Boeing 767-300 was diverted to Bermuda in July after 29-year-old Dean Lyons allegedly became abusive en route from London Gatwick to Bermuda after drinking duty-free liquor. He was flown back to the UK and charged with being drunk on a plane.