Two pilots arrested at Glasgow Airport on suspicion of 'being drunk'

Two pilots have been arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol as they prepared to fly from Scotland to the New York.

Police said the United Airlines pilots, aged 35 and 45, were held custody after concerns were reportedly raised.

The 9am UA162 flight to Newark, New Jersey, was due to depart from Glasgow Airport on Saturday.

It eventually took off, carrying 141 passengers, on Saturday evening with a new crew on board.

The men are expected to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday.

The section of the Act relates to carrying out pilot function or activity while exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol.

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: "We are aware of the police incident yesterday involving two pilots."

A spokesman for United Airlines said the two pilots have been removed from service and their flying duties.

"We are co-operating with the authorities and will conduct our own investigation as well. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority," a statement said.

Last month, two Canadian pilots appeared in court after being charged with being drunk as they prepared to fly a passenger jet from Scotland to Toronto.

Jean-Francois Perreault, 39, and Imran Zafar Syed, 37, were released on bail and will return to court at a later date.