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An easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Rome while on its way back to London Luton airport from Hurghada in Egypt. Fliers were confused when their plane started to descend, and some sent into a panic when the pilot announced that there was something in the hold that shouldn't be there. It wasn't until later that passengers found out what the fire risk actually was.

Word got around that one passenger had left their phone being charged by a power bank in their checked luggage, which poses a serious fire risk. "There's something we shouldn't have in the hold," the captain announced to the 180 passengers. It transpired that a woman told a flight attendant about the whereabouts of her power bank, and the flight was then diverted due to the risk of fire.

The flight made an emergency landing in Rome at 11.30pm on Tuesday. Passengers were given hotel rooms, with some of them sleeping in the airport's terminals. The next easyJet flight available to take them back to the UK was at 2pm the following day.

Paul Casterton, 57, was travelling with partner Laura Bartlett, 61, and told The Sun: "No one knew what to think."

"Suddenly, the plane changed direction and made a descent. It was hard not to fear the worst. It was stressful until we landed.

"There was almost a sense of relief when the woman confessed.

"Thank goodness it wasn't a bomb in the hold. Word spread as to the true reason we had been diverted. It was quite an ordeal, but mostly relief that everyone was OK."

EasyJet said in a statement: "Flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to Luton on May 19 diverted to Rome Fiumicino as the crew were informed a power bank was charging in luggage.

"The captain then diverted as a precaution in line with safety regulations. Safety is our highest priority.

"We would like to apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience."

A growing number of airlines are banning power banks on flights due to the fire risk that they present. South Korea banned these lithium-based batteries on flights outright, while Thai Airways announced last year that passengers would not be allowed to use them on flights.