Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has been cautioned by police after a “disturbance” at Heathrow Airport.

The 42-year-old “It girl” was arrested by armed officers following her reaction to being refused access to a first-class lounge, The Sun said.

Video footage filmed by a witness showed the socialite sobbing, swearing and tearing out her hair extensions during the incident on Saturday, the newspaper said.

Tara, who has battled drug problems in the past, was taken to a west London police station and accepted a caution under the Public Order Act.

A picture of Tara Palmer-Tomkinson at a premiere
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson blamed her actions on a panic attack (Joel Ryan/AP/Press Association Images)

Following her arrest, the former reality television star told The Sun that a panic attack triggered her behaviour.

She said: “I wasn’t drunk, there was no disorderly. I was cautioned, I saw a doctor, they were nice to me.”

Tara has since flown to Switzerland, where she will celebrate her 43rd birthday, the paper said.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police at Heathrow Terminal 5 were made aware of disturbance in the forecourt of the building at approximately 3.30pm on Saturday, December 20.

“Officers arrived at the scene and arrested a 42-year-old woman. She was taken to a west London police station and subsequently accepted a caution under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.”