The American rapper Snoop Dogg was mired in more controversy today after being arrested with his entourage in connection with a fracas at Heathrow that left seven police officers injured.

The 34-year-old star was held overnight at the airport police station before being released on bail this afternoon to continue his journey to South Africa for a concert.

Members of Snoop’s posse had allegedly hurled bottles of whisky and argued with staff at a duty free shop after being refused entry to the first-class lounge of British Airways yesterday.

Police were called to business lounge of Terminal 1 at 6pm last night after reports of a disturbance involving 30 people.

When police told the group they would not be allowed to board their flight, "a number of the group became abusive and pushed the officer," a BA spokeswoman said.

One of Snoop’s bodyguards was reported to have "gone berserk" and attacked six officers. Snoop and the five men were arrested on charges of violent disorder and affray and spent the night at two west London police stations.

Members of the entourage have not been named, but police have said they are all US citizens in their 30's. One of the injured officers was left with a fractured hand, others had cuts and bruises.

The rapper had been due to headline a concert tonight, but thousands of angry fans plan to refund their tickets to The People's Celebration Concert in Johannesburg due to his absence.

The South African promoter Big Concert Promotions says that Snoop will arrive on Saturday morning to perform in the next concert in the series at Durban on Saturday night and in Capetown on Monday.

"Unfortunately it’s too late for him to perform in the festival this evening but the concert has continued without him," said Michael Anetakis of Big Concert Promotions.

"We understand he will leave London tonight and will arrive here tomorrow morning.

"I think they’re all very excited they’ve managed to get him on a flight."

Mr Anetakis said people were entitled to a full refund on their tickets, adding he would not know until tomorrow how many people had decided to take up this option.

Matthew Julius, of Computicket, one of the agencies selling the tickets for the concert said there had been calls all day with people wanting refunds.

"Many, many people have asked for refunds," he said. "They just wanted to go for him. They heard on the radio what happened and they are saying ‘What is the point of going without him’? He’s a legend here."

Snoop Dogg - real name Calvin Broadus - enjoyed early success with his 1993 debut album Doggystyle, but was tried and acquitted for murder in the same year.

In February last year, a celebrity makeup artist filed a lawsuit against the rapper alleging he and several of the men in his entourage had drugged and raped her.

She also claimed one of his associates beat her following a taping of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live show, which Snoop guest-hosted in January 2003. However no charges were ever brought and the woman dropped the case in August saying in a statement that the matter had been resolved amicably.

A fan also accused Snoop and his security team of beating him up and stealing his diamond earrings during a Seattle concert in July.

Richard Monroe, 24, said he was invited onto the stage at the performance but was then attacked by Snoop and his entourage. He was treated at a local hospital for a broken nose and bruising to his face and ribs. Snoop's publicist responded by saying any one who jumps on stage at a concert is interpreted as a security threat.

Snoop has recently become a movie star, appearing in the Starsky and Hutch remake. The rapper is currently starring in Boss 'n Up a film which is inspired by his music. He plays Corde, a new man on the pimp circuit.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman confirmed last night’s incident. "At about 6pm last night police were alerted to a group of approximately 30 people causing a disturbance in a business lounge at Terminal 1 of Heathrow airport.

"We understand that the group had been told by an airline that they would not be permitted to board a flight.

"Officers attended the scene and attempted to direct the group to baggage reclaim. Members of the group then became abusive and pushed officers."

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