Pilot suspended in 'drink' probe

The Eastern Airways flight was from Aberdeen to Donegal

A pilot has been suspended after he was stopped from getting onto a plane in Aberdeen when ground staff complained they could smell alcohol.

The pilot, on an Eastern Airways charter flight to Donegal, is now under investigation.

The flight took off with a replacement pilot and 17 passengers on board on Thursday morning.

Eastern Airways said: "A member of ground staff expressed concern that a pilot may have smelt of alcohol."

The spokesman added: "Prior to boarding he was immediately removed from duty.

"The pilot has been suspended while the matter is fully investigated."