Updated

Two British women who allegedly tried to smuggle a dead relative onto a flight out of England were arrested, Sky News reported Tuesday.

The suspects pushed the 91-year-old man in a wheelchair and covered his face with sunglasses during a bid to board him on their flight to Berlin, sources said.

The women, aged 41 and 66, were said to have protested that the deceased was merely asleep when probed by officials Saturday at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

It is believed the pair somehow managed to ferry the corpse in a taxi from their home in Oldham, northwestern England, to the terminal.

But the alleged attempt to smuggle the body to Germany was foiled after airport staff started asking questions.

"Police at Liverpool John Lennon Airport were alerted to the death of a 91-year-old man in the terminal building," a police spokesman said.

"Two women aged 41 and 66 were arrested on suspicion of failing to give notification of death. They have been released on bail until June 1, 2010. The coroner has been informed and police are continuing with their inquiries."