Giant rabbit dies on United Airlines flight from London

United Airlines is investigating after reports a giant rabbit died on a flight from London to Chicago.

Simon, a one-metre continental giant rabbit aged 10 months, was said to have been travelling from Heathrow Airport in London to O'Hare in Chicago, after being bought by a celebrity owner in the United States.

Breeder Annette Edwards, from Worcestershire, told The Sun that Simon was expected to grow to be the world's biggest rabbit after his father Darius grew to 1.32m.

She told the paper: "Something very strange has happened and I want to know what. I've sent rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.

"The client who bought Simon is very famous. He's upset," Ms Edwards said.

The breed costs $A8535 a year to keep, the paper reported.

A United spokeswoman said: "We were saddened to hear this news. The safety and wellbeing of all the animals that travel with us is of the utmost importance to United Airlines and our PetSafe team.

"We have been in contact with our customer and have offered assistance. We are reviewing this matter."

It comes less than three weeks after a video showing passenger David Dao being dragged off a United Express flight sparked widespread outrage.