A KLM passenger jet travelling from Amsterdam to Glasgow returned to Schiphol after a “technical defect” was discovered midway through the flight.

The plane with 73 passengers on board had just reached the English coast when it doubled back and made a precautionary landing on Monday evening.

Fire crews were put on standby as the Embraer 175 Cityhopper plane touched down, but all passengers and crew were able to disembark safely.

They were offered hotel accommodation for the night and are expected to fly to Glasgow on Tuesday.

The flight took off 47 minutes after its scheduled departure time of 7.50pm. KLM did not say what the technical defect was that prompted the plane to turn around.