A small plane has reportedly crashed at Southend Airport in Essex.

Essex Police said it was at the scene of a "serious incident".

Images posted online showed a large cloud of black smoke, with one witness saying they saw a "fireball".

A police statement said: "We were alerted shortly before 4pm to reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane.

"We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours.

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

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said four crews, along with off-road vehicles, attended the incident.

https://news.sky.com/story/fireball-at-southend-airport-after-small-plane-crashes-13396214