A copy of the Quran was discarded by a passenger at an airport because her luggage was too heavy.

The passenger who was also wearing a niqaab (veil) was told she was 6kg's above the limit and would have to pay £32 or throw away some of her luggage.

She chose to discard a copy of the Quran, a prayer mat and a Hadith book rather than any of her other belongings.

The incident happened at a local airport and came to light after an employee became incensed at the woman's actions and contacted us.

The employee who does not wish to be named said, "I just could not believe what this woman had done.

"She was wearing the full veil and it just shocked me."

"Her luggage was overweight and I told her that she would have to pay the excess charge or take some things out.

"She handed me a bag which also had some other pads in it.

"The excess luggage was thrown into a bin. I thought the bag contained jeans and clothes but when I checked I was shocked to discover that there was a copy of the Quran wrapped inside."

The employee then confronted the woman.

"I got really angry and we kind of got into an argument.

"I asked her why she was wearing the veil if she wanted to do things like this.

"But she didn't seem to want to listen or be bothered at what she had done."

"She reported me to the management and I explained why I had confronted her.

"I was allowed to take the Quran and the prayer mat home with me after I explained their significance."

"It is the first time I have ever confronted a passenger.

"I am certain this woman was a Muslim as we ask them to remove their veil so we can check their identities."

"I have no idea why she would choose to do this.

"Even if this was a copy of the Bible - no-one would just throw it away."

"People still have respect for all religious books."