Sat, Apr 29, 2006 - Page 6 News List

US rapper released on bail in London after airport fracas

AP , LONDON

US rapper Snoop Dogg was released on bail on Thursday after a fracas at London's Heathrow Airport over access to a first class lounge that left seven British police officers nursing minor injuries, his lawyers said.

The rap star was driven away from Heathrow's police station, police said, while speaking on condition of anonymity in line with department policy. They did not give details of five other men arrested with him.

"Snoop has been released on bail," said his attorney, Peter Binning. "He will return at a later date."

Binning said the rap star was released without charge and would leave the country to honor concert commitments in South Africa. He said he has not been charged with any offense.

British Airways, who were to have flown the star to South Africa, said they have sent letters to the rapper and his party telling them that they are banned from all future travel on the airline, the spokesman added.

Trouble began late on Wednesday when members of the star's entourage were denied entry into British Airways' first class lounge. A disturbance involving 30 people followed, London's Metropolitan Police said.

When police told the group that they would not be allowed to board their flight, "a number of the group became abusive and pushed officers," a police spokeswoman said on the force's customary condition of anonymity.

The six men were arrested on charges of "violent disorder and affray" -- or creating a brawl or disturbance -- and spent the night at London police stations.

Seven officers received cuts, bruises and other minor injuries, the force said.

The rapper and his party were denied entry into the lounge because some of the entourage was flying first class, while others were flying economy class, a British Airways spokesman said.

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