At least 12 people suffered injuries when a United Airlines Boeing 767-300 struck turbulence while en-route to London, United /confirm/is.

The aircraft diverted to Shannon, Ireland on the morning of 31 August, wher 10 passengers and two flight attendants were transferred to hospitals, says United.

All but one flight attendant have been released from the hospital, it adds.

Other media outlets put the number of passengers and crew injured at 16.

The 767-300, which was operating United flight 880 from Houston George Bush Intercontinental airport to London Heathrow airport, "experienced severe and unexpected turbulence", says the carrier.