The supermodel Naomi Campbell faces a string of charges over an air rage incident during which she allegedly spat at a police officer in a row over missing baggage at Heathrow's Terminal 5.

Ms Campbell has been charged with five offences relating to the incident on April 3, when she was removed from a flight bound for Los Angeles. The 37-year-old will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in west London on June 20.

She is accused of three counts of assaulting a constable, one count of disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and one count of using threatening, abusive words or behaviour to cabin crew. The CPS said these were offences which could only be tried at a magistrates' court.

Ms Campbell was told she would face charges over the incident when she answered bail at Heathrow police station this morning. She arrived just after 11.30am wearing a pinstriped dark suit and sunglasses in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes.

After spending a half-hour inside being informed of the charges she emerged and was driven away after refusing to answer any questions from waiting reporters.

Her lawyer, Simon Nicholls, read a statement on her behalf saying: “Miss Campbell is bitterly disappointed that the prosecutors have advised her she is to be prosecuted for various offences.

“Prosecutors in this case have decided she needs to be prosecuted in the magistrates court. She respects that decision and she hopes this matter is dealt with expeditiously.

The model has a history of anger-related incidents. Last year she was sentenced to five days' community service in Manhattan, mopping up floors at the New York Sanitation Department, after pleading guilty to a reckless assault on her maid.

The most recent alleged flare-up happened when she was flying British Airways to the US for a memorial service from Heathrow’s recently-opened Terminal 5, which was dogged by baggage problems.

Her spokeswoman said at the time that, once on the plane, Ms Campbell was told that one of her bags was missing. It was reported that a row ensued and she was handcuffed on board. She was being removed by police officers when the alleged assault took place.

She was taken to the airport police station, where she spent eight hours in custody before being released on bail.

Ms Campbell is alleged to have assaulted two police officers. The offence of assaulting a constable carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

Using threatening, abusive words or behaviour to cabin crew carries a maximum penalty of £2,500 and disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress is punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Should Knox’s trial even have reached the courtroom?
• All that glitters is not sold in Wright’s world
• Believe it or not, Big Brother is your friend