Fears for pilot after plane crashes in field just outside small village in Essex

There are fears for a pilot after a small plane crashed outside of small Essex village.

The aircraft came down at around 12.30pm crashing in a field off Mill Lane.

Pictures show the tangled wreckage of the white aircraft.

Police have not released any information on injuries so far.

A neighbour told Metro: ‘There was a police car blocking off the road but nobody would tell us what happened. We couldn’t see the plane from where we are. It is a good job it didn’t hit any houses.

‘There is North Weald airfield nearby but nothing has happened like this. We hope they managed to get out in time.’

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said they had sent inspectors to the’accident’ site.

An Essex Police spokesman said: ‘We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Ongar.

‘We were alerted at 12.30pm on Tuesday 30 June to reports of a crash involving a small aircraft in a field at Mill Lane, Ongar.

‘We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing.’

DCS Morgan Cronin added: ‘This is a serious incident, and we understand it will cause concern in the local community. We are working closely with emergency service partners to respond and ensure the area is safe. There will be a visible police presence as we deal with this incident.

‘We would ask residents to avoid Mill Lane while this work continues and thank them for their patience and understanding.

‘We will provide further updates as soon as we are able.’

Astatement from St Mary’s church added: ‘We are aware of the incident involving a light aircraft near High Ongar today.

‘Please join us in praying for everyone involved, for the emergency services responding, and for all those in our local community who have been affected. We will continue to pray as more information becomes available.’

This is a breaking news story more to follow…