Three Brits arrested in Spain for ‘mocking gay couple’ on flight to Gran Canaria
A picture taken on November 29, 2014 shows a terminal of Tenerife’s airport closed after part of the ceiling fell due bad weather on the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife. The Spanish Meteorology Agency (AEMET) has issued red alerts in five of the seven Canary Islands for strong winds of up to 130km/h. Red severe weather warnings are in force in El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma y Tenerife. AFP PHOTO / DESIREE MARTIN (Photo credit should read DESIREE MARTIN/AFP/Getty Images)
Three British tourists have been arrested for allegedly hurling abuse at a gay couple on a flight to Gran Canaria.
The incident is said to have taken place on a flight from Nottingham to the holiday island earlier this month.
A male gay couple, also from Britain, reported being “mocked” while on board the flight to Spain.
A general view of atmosphere at the Maspalomas Gay Pride Parade in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Getty)
They say the abuse started while in the air, then continued when they attempted to collect their luggage and board the bus to their accommodation.
The couple were able to give a clear description of the three Brits to Spanish authorities and they were eventually found and arrested.
Police in the Canaries say the trio, aged between 25 and 28, were immediately taken before a judge.
Gran Canaria (Getty)
They were charged with committing “a crime against the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution” for discrimination based on sexual orientation.
No details of the airline were given or whether the suspects involved are men or women.
The three were arrested on February 9 but details have only just been released by the police.
Participants ride on a float during the gay pride parade at the International Carnaval of Maspalomas on the Spanish Canary island of Gran Canaria (Getty)
Gran Canaria prides itself on being a tolerant and diverse destination for LGBT people, having attracted gay holiday-goers since the 1960s.
The island hosts two main pride events, one in the summer and one in the winter.
It is also renowned for its popular ‘fetish week’ and bear themed events.
