Officials at have screened an entire plane after several passengers "reported feeling unwell" on arrival at London's Gatwick Airport.

The Virgin Atlantic flight from Barbados was met by officials for "health and safety" reasons this morning.

A spokesperson for the airline said several customers "reported feeling unwell" and everyone on-board was checked-over.

The airline said it was "supporting those affected." Other customers have since been allowed to disembark and are free to "continue their journeys as normal."

Trevor Wilson, who said he was on board the plane when it touched down at 5:30am, said all passengers had been on the MSC Preziosa cruise ship.

He said five members of the cabin crew became ill on-board the plane.

Mr Wilson said passengers were stuck on the runway for an hour and a half while people were being taken to a holding centre to be assessed by doctors.

He said a number of passengers displayed "flu-like symptoms."

He praised Virgin Atlantic staff for "handling it very well."