A 13-year-old boy with Tourettes syndrome, was marched out of Gatwick Airport by armed police, after he shouted “bomb”, leaving him and his family stranded.

British Airways refused to board Mason and his family on to the Spain-bound flight, citing safety risks.

The family, who spent £4,000 on the flights, warned BA staff the day before of what Mason might say, as he was anxious about flying. Mason was also wearing his sunflower lanyard and had his diagnosis letter with him

Mason’s dad, Martyn has accused BA of discrimination, while a spokeswoman for the airline said it was “an extremely difficult, complex and distressing situation”, adding Mason’s condition was not the reason for its decision.

The family had to spend the night in a hotel before paying £2,400 for new flights with Vueling on Sunday.