Air rage pair may be prosecuted

The brawl broke out on a flight to Malaga

A convicted armed robber and his son who are accused of starting a brawl on a UK flight to Malaga may face prosecution.

The pair became abusive after they were refused more alcohol, according to British World airlines.

Passengers and cabin crew on the flight from Gatwick Airport were allegedly assaulted by the men as attempts were made to restrain them.

Though Spanish police released the men without charge, the Civil Aviation Authority may yet take action.

Pair handcuffed

It is thought that the pair were celebrating the father's release from prison when the incident happened.

Three BWA staff and five holidaymakers were caught up in the brawl on 16 July.

A staff member was treated for shock and one passenger reported bruising.

The pair were handcuffed and handed over to Spanish police on arrival in Malaga.

But they were later released without charge.

However A CAA spokeswoman said: "We are reviewing what happened in the incident to discover if prosecution is warranted."

One-way ticket

It is understood the pair are still in Spain, having bought a one-way ticket.

A Sussex police spokeswoman said it too had the power to investigate as the Boeing 737 was British but that it had not received a complaint.

BWA's managing director Chris Bakhurst said: "This type of behaviour puts into jeopardy the life of all the souls on board the aircraft.

"British World Airlines will demand that police action be taken against any passengers attempting to disrupt a flight."

He said the men faced a lifetime ban from his airline's flights and he would be recommending that other airlines do the same.

Alcohol on flights was constantly being reviewed by the airline industry, he added.