'Severe Turbulence' Injures 16 On Heathrow-Bound Flight

A London-bound flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Ireland after 16 people were injured during "severe and unexpected turbulence".

United Airlines flight UA-880 was diverted mid-flight and made an emergency landing at Shannon Airport at around 6am.

The Boeing 767-300 jet was flying from Houston in Texas to Heathrow.

On its arrival at Shannon Airport, 14 passengers and two crew members were taken to University Limerick Hospital with minor injuries.

In a statement, United Airlines told RTE that the aircraft "experienced severe and unexpected turbulence".

A spokesperson added: "Fourteen customers and two flight attendants have been taken to a local hospital.

"We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries."

The flight had 207 passengers and 13 crew members on board.