Statement from Bermuda officials after Manchester Airport-bound flight diverts in 'extreme turbulence'

Officials in Bermuda are 'diligently working to ensure the well-being' of the passengers onboard a Manchester Airport-bound flight that was forced to divert there after 'extreme turbulence'.

The P&O Caribbean cruise charter flight from Barbados was due to land in Manchester on Christmas Eve. But around two-and-a-half hours into the flight, while cruising at 38,000 feet, the aircraft hit 'freak turbulence'.

The flight - with 225 passengers onboard - had to be diverted to Bermuda where emergency crews were waiting at the airport. Eleven passengers were left injured.

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Bermuda’s acting minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, thanked emergency services for their work when the plane landed, the Mirror reports. He said: "We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the well-being of all involved.

"We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew.”

A statement from Bermuda's Ministry of Security said: "At approximately 12.50am, Maleth Aero Flight 1975, an Airbus A300-200, en route from Barbados to Manchester experienced severe turbulence, necessitating an emergency landing at LF Wade International Airport. The aircraft executed a controlled landing on the island. The flight was transporting 225 passengers and 13 crew members.

"Emergency medical technicians from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service greeted the aircraft to provide initial assessments of the passengers and pre-hospital