Man bitten by violent passenger on British Airways flight

A British Airways passenger was bitten while trying to subdue another flier. (iStock)

A man traveling on a British Airways flight had to go to hospital after being
bitten as he stepped in to help crew members subdue a "violent
passenger."

Christopher McNerlin was flying back to Heathrow from Dubai on Friday when
he rushed to the aid of a flight attendant dealing with an aggressive fellow traveler.

He was bitten on the arm during the incident and had to go to hospital for a
check-up.  But, as a reward for trying to help, was allowed to sit in the cockpit by the pilot as thanks for his
effort.

McNerlin, who works for "trend forecasting" company WGSN, posted
pictures on social media of the bite mark, along with one of himself giving the
"thumbs up" as he sat in the cockpit once the plane had landed and
was safely in a hangar.

He wrote on Instagram: "That time when you help restrain and handcuff a
nutter at 40,000ft. He bites you, but it's all OK because Captain Kendal lets
you sit in the cockpit."

Later along with a picture of his bitten arm he tweeted: "At A&E
after helping the British Airways stewardesses restrain a violent passenger on
board yesterday's BA0104."

"Incredible team on the flight, especially Hayley, who put herself in
harm's way to protect passengers. Thanks to British Airways Captain Kendal for
showing me the cockpit. The bite and A&E were almost worth it."

British Airways thanked McNerlin formally, saying: "We
hope you are all right. I'm sure Hayley would've appreciated your assistance on
board. Thanks."

The airline said the matter was now being dealt with by police, who reported that
officers were called to the airport shortly before 6 p.m.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Officers attended and found a
21-year-old man who had assaulted a passenger. The man was arrested on
suspicion of actual bodily harm and being drunk on board an aircraft.

"He was taken to a west London police station and has been bailed to a
date in late May. The injured passenger received medical assistance for a minor
injury at the scene.”