Passengers were kicked off a flight from Scotland after they tried to evade police by hiding in the plane's toilets with illicit alcohol.

The Edinburgh to Alicante service was held up after three men brought alcohol from duty free on to the plane then abusive and aggressive towards cabin crew.

Operator Jet2 said police were called, prompting two of the men to hide in the toilets.

The flight, which was due to leave Edinburgh Airport at 7.30am on Thursday, was delayed for about an hour while officers dealt with the men, who were later escorted off the flight.

A Jet2 spokeswoman said: "Flight LS775 from Edinburgh to Alicante had to return to the stand so that police could offload three customers who were drinking their own illicit alcohol and who became abusive and aggressive when told by our crew that this was prohibited.

"Police attended the aircraft to support the removal of these disruptive passengers, two of whom attempted to hide from them in the toilets, thus causing further delay for everyone else on the flight.

"We apologise to all other customers for the inconvenience that this caused at the start of their well-deserved holidays, however, as a family friendly airline we will not let the behaviour of a disruptive few spoil the flight for everyone else."