Heathrow Plane Returns Over Technical Fault

A British Airways plane bound for Hong Kong has returned to Heathrow airport because of technical problems.

Sky sources said the aircraft developed a problem with its left wing landing gear, which would not retract.

There were 298 passengers on board BA flight 25, which landed safely at the London airport.

A BA spokesperson said: "The Boeing 747 experienced a minor technical problem and returned to Heathrow as a precaution.

"Engineers are currently examining the aircraft.

"The 298 passengers may yet be able to fly to Hong Kong later this evening, if engineers can fix the problem, or alternative plans will be made."

In May this year, a BA flight caught fire as it flew over central London - leading to a dramatic emergency landing at Heathrow.

According to an official accident investigation, doors on both engines had been left unlatched during maintenance.

They then fell off as the aircraft left the runway, puncturing a fuel pipe on the right engine.

It is still not known what caused the fire.