Passenger without a passport or plane ticket was able to fly from Heathrow to New York by 'tailgating' another traveler… and he's STILL on the flight

A British passenger without a passport or plane ticket managed to fly from Heathrow to New York by 'tailgating' another traveler in a 'major embarrassment' for British security, it emerged last night.

Craig Sturt, 46, is accused of following another passenger through security and passport checks at Heathrow's Terminal 5 and enjoying free food and drinks on a British Airways plane before landing in the US.

He was allegedly detained there by armed officials, who discovered he had no documentation and was sent back to Britain on a charter flight.

Mr Sturt was then personally delivered to the police at 8 p.m Christmas Day, when he was arrested before being taken to a hospital in Reading.

However, he is said to have escaped from hospital and has not been seen since, having become the subject of a missing person call.

The incident is said to have prompted demands from the Home Secretary to find answers over the 'humiliating fiasco'. The sun reported.

Such an event was thought to be impossible due to increased security and technological advances since September 11.

After escaping from hospital, a warrant was issued for Mr Sturt's arrest on January 22, and Thames Valley Police issued a photo of him on January 30.

Police said at the time: 'Urgent appeal for missing persons. Can you please help us find Craig? The 46-year-old is 1.80 meters tall, slim and has short dark brown hair.

'When last seen he was wearing a gray jacket, tank top, black jogging bottoms and white trainers.

'Craig was last seen in Reading but is from Slough and also has connections to Heathrow and Tottenham Court Road in London. If you see Craig, please do not approach him, call 999.”

He has been charged with obtaining services by deception; being unlawfully airside; boarding an aircraft without permission.

He was due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court but the unemployed 46-year-old has still not been found by police.

He was spotted taking £200 cash from a machine on Tottenham Court Road in London.

Mr Sturt boarded a British Airways plane to New York from Heathrow Terminal 5. Pictured: A BA plane takes off from Heathrow Terminal 5 (File Image)

A source told The Sun: 'Heads will roll. It's mind-boggling that this can happen. It's hard to imagine what would have happened if a terrorist had boarded a flight unnoticed.

'This is a great shame. US officials are furious and demanding to know how this could have happened.'

A Heathrow spokeswoman said: 'All people taking to the skies are subject to security screening, including the person involved in this case. We support the authorities with their ongoing investigation.”

The Met Police said: 'On 24 December 2023, police were notified of an alleged security breach at Heathrow Airport and a man was subsequently arrested and later charged with breaches of the Fraud and Aviation Security Act.

'We continue to work with all our partners to review and enhance the already robust security measures, which are continually assessed by the wider security partnership.'

A spokesperson for New Scotland Yard said: 'On 24 December 2023, police were notified of an alleged security breach at Heathrow Airport and a man was subsequently arrested and later charged with breaches of the Fraud and Aviation Security Act.

'We continue to work with all our partners to review and enhance the already robust security measures, which are continually assessed by the wider security partnership.'

British Airways said: 'We are assisting the authorities with their investigation.'

MailOnline has contacted BA and the Metropolitan Police for comment.

Both the Home Office and the Ministry of Transport declined to comment.