But sources at PIA British police had received “vague” security threats shortly after the Airbus A330 entered UK airspace, resulting in the flight being diverted in accordance with usual security procedures.

It is not clear who made the alleged threats or whether they were related to the person on board who police intended to arrest.

A spokesman for Essex Police said officers had attended Stansted to greet the aircraft, but stressed that the incident was not being treated as a hijack or terrorist situation.

The spokesman said: "An aircraft was diverted to Stansted Airport at around 3pm on Tuesday, February 7, while over UK airspace en-route to Heathrow Airport due to reports of a disruptive passenger on board.

"The plane is currently at the airport and officers are making enquiries. There is no disruption to the ongoing operation of Stansted Airport. This is not believed to be a hijack situation or terror matter."