Man arrested after 'assaulting his wife on British Airways flight from London to Texas'

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Darren Halliwell, 48, 'became disruptive' on British Airways flight, it is said
He allegedly began assaulting his wife as plane traveled to Houston, Texas
Other passengers 'had to restrain him' and aircraft was diverted to Boston
Flight 195 was met on tarmac by two Massachusetts State Police vehicles
Halliwell taken into custody and charged with interference to a flight crew
Father-of-two, from England, may also face assault charges over incident

Published: 14:44 EST, 8 July 2015 | Updated: 01:28 EST, 9 July 2015

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A British man has been arrested by Massachusetts State Police after he allegedly started assaulting his wife on board a flight from London to Texas - forcing the flight crew to divert the plane to Boston.

Darren Halliwell, 48, of Greater Manchester, England, reportedly 'became disruptive' during British Airways Flight 195, which had departed from London's Heathrow Airport at 10.33am on Wednesday.

He began assaulting a woman he was traveling with, leading other passengers to restrain him, officials said. The captain was alerted to the disturbance and decided to request a flight diversion.

The plane landed at Logan International Airport shortly after noon, where two Massachusetts State Police vehicles were waiting on the tarmac. Halliwell was handcuffed and taken into state custody.

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Diverted: British Airways passenger Darren Halliwell, 48, from England, has been arrested after he allegedly started assaulting his wife on board a flight from London to Texas - forcing the Captain to divert the plane to Boston. Above, diverted plane is pictured at Logan International Airport, where it arrived shortly after noon

He has since been charged with interfering with a flight crew, according to a police statement.

He may face additional charges of assault. The details of his alleged attack remain unknown.

Police have not disclosed the name of the alleged victim, nor her relationship to Halliwell, 'out of respect for her privacy'. However, CBS Boston reports that the woman is believed to be his wife.

The man is thought to have two children, aged 24 and 22, with his spouse.

In the online statement, posted on Wednesday afternoon, police said: 'Troopers met British Airways Flight 195, on which Halliwell was a passenger, when it landed at Logan Airport shortly after noon.'

The force added: 'State Police had been notified that the flight was being diverted to Logan after Halliwell allegedly assaulted a woman he was traveling with and became disruptive.'

Captain forced to divert fight to Boston due to unruly passenger

Waiting: Halliwell, who lives in the village of Aspull, reportedly 'became disruptive' and starting assaulting his spouse during Flight 195. Above, two Massachusetts State Police cars were waiting on the tarmac in Boston

Diversion: This Flightaware.com graphic shows the diverted path Flight 195 took on Wednesday morning

After Halliwell was removed from the flight, the plane continued to its destination: George Bush Intercontinental Airport. It was expected to touch down at 3.46pm, according to FlightAware.com.

It is unclear whether the suspect's wife stayed on the flight.

In a statement about the incident, British Airways said: 'Our customers and crews deserve to enjoy their flights, and not to suffer any form of abuse. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

'The matter will now be handled by the police.'

Halliwell, of Aspull, is expected to be arraigned on Thursday in the East Boston District Court.

Emergency: After Halliwell was removed from the flight at Logan International Airport (pictured) in Boston, the plane continued to its destination in Houston. It is unclear whether the suspect's wife stayed on the flight