The pilot of a plane that caught fire on a runway in Las Vegas has criticised passengers for taking luggage with them as they escaped from the aircraft.

Chris Henkey was hailed a hero after bringing the British Airways plane to a halt and ordering an evacuation when one of the engines caught fire as it was preparing for take-off.

The plane's 157 passengers, 10 crew and three pilots were all able to escape safely but photos taken as they ran from the plane showed many of the passengers carrying luggage.

Mr Henkey, who has 42 years of flying experience, told LBC that this was potentially dangerous.

He added: "Not just our case, but any case, when cabin crews are trying to get passengers off quickly, it's clear that the passengers should not be taking their luggage with them".

"What's a cabin crew to do? Stop them at the door and tell people to give them the hand luggage? That's going to take time".

"And the prime reason the cabin crew is there (is) to get the passengers off quickly and that would delay it".

"The thing that may happen in the future is that the overhead bins will be made lockable and locked from take-off until landing".

The fire on flight 2276, which was heading to London Gatwick, was spotted just after 4pm on September 8th.

Over the next few minutes, all of those on board escaped from the plane using emergency slides.

A recording of Mr Henkey's exchange with air traffic control was released showing how efficiently the emergency was handled.

The pilot was later applauded by passengers as they were gathered in an airport building.

He said he was not among the 14 people who picked up minor injuries during the evacuation - although he did fall off the slide.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.