Angry passengers on a PIA flight staged a mid-air mutiny it has been revealed.

The incident occurred on a flight between Islamabad and Manchester on the Boeing 747 Jumbo jet as it flew at 35,000ft.

The pilot of the packed Pakistan International Airlines jet radioed ahead, and 14 people were arrested after landing at Manchester Airport on suspicion of endangering the aircraft.

Cabin crew lost control after the flight was delayed for four hours in searing heat on the tarmac at Islamabad airport in Pakistan.

It is believed an argument started after the flight was delayed for more than four hours in Pakistan to make way for another flight.

The passengers many from the North West had been kept waiting on board the plane and became increasingly frustrated.

With economy packed, a number of passengers decided to upgrade themselves to the empty luxury section at the front of the plane.

It is then that the trouble is believed to have begun.

The crew asked them to move but they refused, so police were called in as the plane landed in the UK on the morning of Friday May 5.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police at Manchester Airport were alerted to a problem on an incoming PIA flight from Pakistan.

"Several passengers were reported to be trying to enter the first class area of the plane.

"When the plane landed, 14 of the passengers were arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft in flight.

"They have all been bailed until the end of June, pending further inquiries."

A spokesman for the airline refused to comment.

A duty manager at Manchester Airport confirmed there had been an incident but had no further details.

It was the second time in a week that police had been called to a Pakistan International Airlines flight at Manchester Airport.

Earlier they were called to a Karachi-bound jet after passengers caused a disturbance while waiting on board during a long delay, but no arrests were made.