Two light aircraft have been involved in a fatal mid-air collision in the Midlands.
Two light aircraft have been involved in a fatal mid-air collision in the Midlands.
One of the planes crashed into a field near Blithfield reservoir in Staffordshire but it is not known how many people have been killed.
One of the planes crashed into a field near Blithfield reservoir in Staffordshire but it is not known how many people have been killed.
The other aircraft managed to land at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire where three people on board scrambled to safety.
The other aircraft managed to land at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire where three people on board scrambled to safety.
All incoming flights are being diverted from the airport.
All incoming flights are being diverted from the airport.
Planes are being directed to land at Birmingham International and Manchester airports.
Planes are being directed to land at Birmingham International and Manchester airports.
Runway blocked
"The incident involved a privately-owned light aircraft which performed an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport," said an airport spokeswoman.
"The incident involved a privately-owned light aircraft which performed an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport," said an airport spokeswoman.
"The airport is following its full emergency procedures and emergency personnel are on site.
"The airport is following its full emergency procedures and emergency personnel are on site.
"The airport runway is currently blocked and traffic is being diverted while emergency services undertake aircraft recovery."
"The airport runway is currently blocked and traffic is being diverted while emergency services undertake aircraft recovery."
The aircraft was not immediately thought to have been badly damaged and the three people on board were being checked over by medics, added the spokeswoman.
The aircraft was not immediately thought to have been badly damaged and the three people on board were being checked over by medics, added the spokeswoman.
Fatalities reported
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Staffordshire Police said they were at the field where the second plane came down, around 25 miles away from East Midlands Airport.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Staffordshire Police said they were at the field where the second plane came down, around 25 miles away from East Midlands Airport.
Collision investigators are heading to the site between Uttoxeter and Stafford.
Collision investigators are heading to the site between Uttoxeter and Stafford.
Fatalities reported
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Ambulance said: "I can confirm we were called to attend an incident involving a light aircraft which crashed into a field at approximately 1220 GMT.
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Ambulance said: "I can confirm we were called to attend an incident involving a light aircraft which crashed into a field at approximately 1220 GMT.
"A rapid response team, doctor and ambulance were sent to the scene. An air ambulance was put on standby but was later stood down."
"A rapid response team, doctor and ambulance were sent to the scene. An air ambulance was put on standby but was later stood down.
"We can not confirm reports of fatalities at this time."
"We can not confirm reports of fatalities at this time."
Passengers are advised to call their tour operator or the airport main switchboard for advice on 0871 919 9000.
Passengers are advised to call their tour operator or the airport main switchboard for advice on 0871 919 9000.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this story? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this story? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
