Two dead as aircraft crashes

Police appeal for witnesses to come forward

- BY JOE SMITH

TWO people have been killed after a light aircraft crashed on Tuesday afternoon, it has been confirmed.

Two men died in a light aircraft crash on farmland in Littleborough, Greater Manchester Police has said.

The plane, a Cirrus SR20, is understood to have been carrying two people when it came down on farmland near the M62.

The force said they do not believe there was anyone else on board, and there were no reported injuries on the ground.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP's Rochdale district, said: "This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends."

Flight data showed the single-engine aircraft, which can carry 4-5 people, taking off from Birmingham Airport at about 10am the same morning.

The plane then started to lose altitude shortly into the flight, coming down near Littleborough at about 11am.

As reports of the crash first emerged, Greater Manchester Police issued a statement saying: “Emergency services are responding to reports of a light aircraft crash in the Littleborough area.

“We are currently in attendance to establish the full circumstances and assess any casualties.

“A scene is in place whilst emergency service workers conduct their enquiries and people are asked to avoid the area as this work is carried out.”

An image shared on social media shows what appears to be a parachute caught in a nearby pylon.