‘Serious incident’ declared after gentle plane crashes into reservoir in Essex

A ‘serious incident’ has been declared after a light aircraft crashed into a reservoir in Essex.

Police rushed to Hanningfield Reservoir, Chelmsford just after 2pm on Sunday after reports of the small aircraft falling into the water.

People are being urged to stay away from the scene as officers investigate the crash. 

Essex Police said: ‘We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Hanningfield Reservoir, Chelmsford.

‘We were alerted shortly after 2pm on Sunday December 28 to reports involving a small aircraft entering the water.

‘We are working with several organisations at the scene now and that work will be ongoing.

‘We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.

A ‘serious incident’ has been declared after a light aircraft crashed into a Hanningfield Reservoir, Chelmsford, in Essex, pictured

Flowers pictured at the scene. Police rushed to the body of water just after 2pm on Sunday

People are being urged to stay away from the scene as officers investigate the crash (pictured: a police vehicle at the entrance to the reservoir)

‘An investigation has been launched.’

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan added: We are still in the early stages of our investigation and are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to establish what has happened.’

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.