A man traveling on a British Airways flight had to go to hospital after being

bitten as he stepped in to help crew members subdue a "violent

passenger."

Christopher McNerlin was flying back to Heathrow from Dubai on Friday when

he rushed to the aid of a flight attendant dealing with an aggressive fellow traveler.

He was bitten on the arm during the incident and had to go to hospital for a

check-up. But, as a reward for trying to help, was allowed to sit in the cockpit by the pilot as thanks for his

effort.

McNerlin, who works for "trend forecasting" company WGSN, posted

pictures on social media of the bite mark, along with one of himself giving the

"thumbs up" as he sat in the cockpit once the plane had landed and

was safely in a hangar.

He wrote on Instagram: "That time when you help restrain and handcuff a

nutter at 40,000ft. He bites you, but it's all OK because Captain Kendal lets

you sit in the cockpit."

Later along with a picture of his bitten arm he tweeted: "At A&E

after helping the British Airways stewardesses restrain a violent passenger on

board yesterday's BA0104."

"Incredible team on the flight, especially Hayley, who put herself in

harm's way to protect passengers. Thanks to British Airways Captain Kendal for

showing me the cockpit. The bite and A&E were almost worth it."

British Airways thanked McNerlin formally, saying: "We

hope you are all right. I'm sure Hayley would've appreciated your assistance on

board. Thanks."

The airline said the matter was now being dealt with by police, who reported that

officers were called to the airport shortly before 6 p.m.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Officers attended and found a

21-year-old man who had assaulted a passenger. The man was arrested on

suspicion of actual bodily harm and being drunk on board an aircraft.

"He was taken to a west London police station and has been bailed to a

date in late May. The injured passenger received medical assistance for a minor

injury at the scene.”