An inquiry has been launched after two passenger jets were involved in a near miss at Heathrow.

One aircraft - a United airlines Boeing 747 inbound from Chicago - had to be given a last minute order to abort landing because a second plane had failed to take off and was still on the runway.

As he climbed away from the airport the United pilot suddenly reported that the Iberia plane had begun a take off run.

Controllers told the Iberia pilot four times to stop, as they were worried that he would take off into the path of the Boeing.

Failed to respond

But he failed to respond and the take off continued.

Only once he was airborne did the Iberia pilot acknowledge an order to turn out of the way.

National Air Traffic Services said there was no danger of a collision, but officials are to look into whether a full near miss investigation is needed.

An airport spokeswoman said the matter would be referred to the safety regulation group of the Civil Aviation Authority, but was not being classed as serious.