Manchester, United Kingdom. Witnesses described scenes of disruption on a Jet2 flight from Larnaca before Callum Kerr, 35, from Warrington, was restrained by passengers and crew shortly before landing. He was later found unresponsive after police boarded the aircraft on arrival at Manchester Airport and died in hospital on 23 June.
Witness accounts of disruption
According to the Manchester Evening News, Kerr boarded the flight with his girlfriend on 21 June and became increasingly disruptive about an hour into the journey. Witnesses said he appeared significantly intoxicated, became verbally abusive, and was physically aggressive towards other passengers and crew.
The report said attempts by cabin crew and the pilot to calm him were unsuccessful. A witness told the Manchester Evening News that when Kerr was told there were children on the flight, he said he did not care.
Restraint before landing
Witnesses said passengers moved to the front of the aircraft and that children were distressed during the incident. Shortly before landing, Kerr allegedly headbutted a fellow passenger and was then restrained by fellow travellers and crew.
Police and medical response
As reported by Philenews, officers from Greater Manchester Police boarded the aircraft after it arrived at Manchester Airport in the early hours of 22 June. Police found Kerr unresponsive and performed CPR before paramedics took him to hospital.
Kerr died in hospital on 23 June.
Investigation under way
Greater Manchester Police said it has confirmed two alleged assaults, one involving a passenger and one involving a cabin crew member. The force has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is examining the actions of the attending officers.
Police said the officers are being treated as witnesses rather than suspects.
Jet2 statement
Jet2 said in a statement sent to en.philenews that it offered its sincere condolences to Kerr’s family and friends. The airline said it would not comment further while investigations were ongoing.