An investigation has been launched after two people died in a light aircraft crash in County Down.
The incident happened at Newtownards Airport on the Portaferry Road at 20:20 BST on Tuesday.
Police confirmed that two people had died.
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it had been notified of the incident and a team of inspectors was on its way to the accident site.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said in a statement that it had despatched two emergency crews, a doctor and ambulance officer to the scene after a 999 call.
“No patients were taken from the scene,” the statement added.
Police remained at the scene of the crash on Wednesday morning and the area was still cordoned off.
The aftermath of the aircraft crash was captured on film
Councillor Vicky Moore was at the scene of the crash and said the community was in shock.
“As somebody who lives very locally – just under the flight path of the airfield – I know how busy it is,” Ms Moore, an Alliance Party representative, told BBC News NI.
“This will be a terrible shock to the community and very sad news for the families affected.
“The airfield is so popular, it is not expected that something like this would happen.”
IMAGE SOURCE,PACEMAKERShe said her thoughts were with the families and anyone else affected. She was also very grateful for the response of the emergency services.
Many private light aircraft, helicopter and microlight pilots base their aircraft at the airport which is also home to flying schools.
