West Sussex Man Arrested After Aerospace Cyber Incident Disrupts European Flights

A man in his forties from West Sussex has been arrested as part of an investigation into a cyber incident affecting Collins Aerospace, which caused disruption to flights at Heathrow and other European airports over the weekend.

The arrest was carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA), with support from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).

The suspect has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said:

“Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing.

"Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK.

"Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat to protect the British public.”

The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by cybercrime, even in local communities across Sussex, where residents may be unaware of the national and international impact of such attacks.