Passengers arriving at Gatwick Airport during the bank holiday weekend had to wait more than two hours to collect their luggage.

Police stood by and attempted to calm matters when the carousels dispersing bags from early morning flights suddenly stopped.

Angry passengers in the crowded customs areas demanded to know what was happening as worried friends and relatives waited in the arrival areas.

Some passengers said they would demand compensation for increased car parking charges and taxi waiting times.

A spokesman for Servisair, which is responsible for baggage handling at Gatwick, said: "The delays were caused by a large number of flights arriving off schedule. We can only apologise for the inconvenience."

One of those delayed was David Munden, 58, a company director from Steyning who had to wait almost three hours for his luggage after arriving on a flight from Agenfurt, Austria, just after midnight on Sunday.

He said: "I have flown a lot and this is the first time I have ever had to wait nearly three hours for my baggage. We were not told what was happening and everyone was getting very angry.

"Police kept an eye on the situation and some of the officers tried to find the cause of the delay.

"It was hot and very crowded and there are no refreshments in the area. When you arrive home, the last thing you want to do is wait in a crowded area for your luggage for such a long time."

Gatwick airport manager Steven Gargaro said: "We are aware of the problems on Sunday morning as one of our handling agents had staff shortages, but things have run smoothly over what is one of our busiest times of the year."

Mr Gargaro said Mr Munden's flight touched down at 12.07am and the bags from that flight were loaded on to the carousel at 2.45 am.