EasyJet horror as crew member is ATTACKED by passenger on runway before fleeing & hiding in airport after flight from UK
The thug struck the frontline worker as the plane doors opened on arrival in Spain from Gatwick airport.
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The traumatised cabin crew flyer suffered shoulder injuries and was unable to work the return leg, sparking travel chaos.
Without a full quota of staff, a number of passengers had to be ditched from Flight EZY8110 from Alicante to London.
Cops are still hunting the rogue hooligan who assaulted the EasyJet worker, after he fled through the terminal.
Airline bosses had to seek volunteers to miss the flight back to the UK on the same aircraft.
Jon Lockett, 57, of Bromley, south east London, a passenger on the outgoing flight, said; "Passengers were unhappy with the initial lack of information as we were left stranded in a hot gangway for 90 minutes.
"We knew something was going on as there were frantic calls on the ground crew's walkie talkies.
"Then the crew told us what had happened and everyone calmed down and were very understanding."
One passenger waiting for the flight back to Gatwick said: "We were delayed for two hours while they sorted it out.
"The attacker from the incoming flight had sprinted off the plane and gone into hiding in the airport.
"When we finally boarded, the pilot explained to us why we'd been delayed.
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"EasyJet managed to get about 15 volunteers to take an alternative flight home and they were offered hotel accommodation if they couldn't go that day."
An aviation source said: "If the attack had happened during the flight, pilots would call ahead to have police ready to meet the aircraft and deal with the passenger.
"But it all happened after touching down and the passenger ran for it before stunned colleagues could do anything."
A spokesperson for the airline refused to give further details or comment on what might have prompted the attack.
They said: 'Due to a passenger behaving disruptively onboard the previous flight, a cabin crew member was unable to operate flight EZY8110 from Alicante to London Gatwick.
Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport
"We absolutely do not tolerate violent behaviour onboard and are supporting the crew member who was subject to this unacceptable behaviour.
"In line with operating procedures, this meant the flight capacity had to be reduced and so we sought volunteers not to travel who we rebooked on alternative flights and provided hotel accommodation and compensation in line with regulations.
"While this was outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused and thank customers for their understanding."
It is not understood that an arrest has been made in connection with the cabin crew attack.
EasyJet told The Sun: 'Due to a passenger behaving disruptively onboard the previous flight, one of the cabin crew was unable to operate flight EZY8110 from Alicante to London Gatwick on 18th July.
'We do not tolerate this kind of unacceptable behaviour onboard and are supporting the crew member.'
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But I think what governments and society all need to understand is if you invest in those first five years, you will reap the benefits in 20 to 30 years to come.' Mr Morgan added more was being done to 'protect' young people from harmful content online, following the introduction of the Online Safety Act - which has already led to porn companies demanding photo ID to prove users are over 18. But critics have said the new measures don't go far enough - and have warned content from 'toxic' influencers like Andrew Tate are still being promoted on the social media feeds of young boys. Mr Morgan insisted efforts were being made to prevent children from being bombarded by hateful content online. 'We're absolutely listening to what the sector has to say,' he added. 'But our ultimate priority is safeguarding and keeping children safe. The Online Safety Act will help deliver some of that.' 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