One is Tasered and three are charged with resisting arrest during shore leave in Florida

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Several Royal Navy sailors have been arrested following reports of drunken behaviour while docked in Florida.

The Ministry of Defence said six personnel were arrested but a spokeswoman could not confirm whether they were from the £3.1bn HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s new aircraft carrier, or support ships.

The sailors were reportedly on shore leave and were arrested on mostly drunk and disorderly charges, according to the Florida Times-Union newspaper.

It reported that Sgt Larry Smith of the Jacksonville Beach police department said three of the sailors were also charged with resisting arrest, with one sailor having to be stunned with a Taser.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Ministry of Defence said six personnel were arrested but could not confirm they were from HMS Queen Elizabeth Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a number of naval personnel are assisting US police with their enquiries - it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

"The Naval Service places great importance on maintaining the highest possible standards of behaviour from its personnel at all times."