A passenger plane was diverted to Gatwick after a woman threw her prosthetic leg at cabin crew during a foul-mouthed tirade, according to police.

The Thomson Airlines flight from Tunisia to Edinburgh had to be grounded at Gatwick Airport last night after the woman, 48, began “swearing blue murder” and throwing food at staff, a spokesperson for Sussex police said.

The captain became alarmed by her behaviour and diverted the plane after a series of apparent threats were made.

The woman, who is unemployed and from Edinburgh, was arrested by police at the North Terminal at 10.22pm last night.

She was taken to Crawley police station where she is being quizzed by officers on suspicion of using threatening behaviour.

In a statement, Sussex Police said: "At 10.22pm on Wednesday (30 July) a 48-year-old unemployed woman from Edinburgh was arrested at the North Terminal, Gatwick Airport, on suspicion of using threatening behaviour while aboard Thompson flight 297 from Tunisia to Edinburgh.

"The flight was diverted into Gatwick after it was alleged the woman had been abusive and had thrown a prosthetic leg and food at cabin crew."

A spokesman added: "She was swearing blue murder, saying she was going to do this and that and the other, so the flight was diverted to Gatwick."

But he refused to comment on reports the woman was drunk when the alleged attack took place.

In a statement, Thomson Airways said: "Thomson Airways would like to apologise to passengers for the diversion into Gatwick airport of flight TOM 297 travelling from Enfidha, Tunisia to Edinburgh on 30th July.

"Unfortunately a passenger became disruptive on board and as a last resort the captain decided to divert the flight to Gatwick. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by local police and the passenger was removed for questioning.

"We would like to reassure customers that their safety is our priority at all times. Thomson Airways operates a zero tolerance policy with regards to any disruptive behaviour on board and incidents of this type are extremely rare."