LONDON, May 29, 2008 (AFP) - British supermodel Naomi Campbell has been charged with a string of offences after allegedly assaulting a police officer at London's Heathrow airport, her lawyer said Thursday May 29th.

Naomi Campbell - Photo : Ansa

Campbell, 37, was taken off a British Airways plane by officers on April 3 after she boarded a flight to Los Angeles in the United States and was told before takeoff that one of her bags was missing.

She is charged with five offences -- three counts of assaulting a constable, one of disorderly conduct likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and one of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour to cabin crew.

Campbell will appear in court in west London on June 20, her lawyer Simon Nicholls said, after she answered bail at Heathrow's police station.

If found guilty, she could face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of several thousand pounds.

"Miss Campbell is bitterly disappointed that the prosecutors have advised her she is to be prosecuted for various offences," Nicholls said in a statement read out on her behalf outside the police station.

"She respects that decision and she hopes this matter is dealt with expeditiously."

The incident took place as Campbell was travelling through the airport's new Terminal 5 building, whose high-profile opening in March was marred by serious problems with the baggage handling system.

Last year, the supermodel was ordered to spend a week mopping floors at a New York City warehouse for hitting her maid with a mobile phone.

She was sentenced in January 2007 after pleading guilty to reckless assault, and also ordered to attend a two-day anger management course and cover her victim's medical expenses.