Two British Airways ground staff have been arrested after allegedly damaging an aircraft and failing to report it.
It is alleged that the two men, aged 54 and 49, drove an electric-powered luggage truck into the side of an Airbus A321.
BA said the workers have been suspended while the police inquiry continues.
"Two members of our ground staff based at Heathrow were arrested following an incident where one of our aircraft was damaged,” said a spokesman.
"They were both questioned by the police and released on bail pending further inquiries.
"It would therefore be inappropriate to give further details.
"The two staff members have been given a precautionary suspension, without prejudice, while the police carry out their investigation."
According to media reports, the damage was spotted hours later as the aircraft was preparing for take-off from a Terminal 5 runway with 80 people on board.
The incident is not believed to have been related to terrorism.
By Bev Fearis
