A pilot in his 50s died this afternoon at the scene of a light aircraft crash at Belchamp Walter, on the Essex/Suffolk border.

%image(15290476, type="article-full", alt="Police at a field in Belchamp Walter in the wake of the fatal accident Picture: PAUL GEATER")

Police have confirmed that they were called to reports of a light aircraft in distress just before 11.50am.

A spokesman said: “Officers attended and, sadly, a man aged in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s next of kin have now been informed.

• MORE: Community reacts to tragic death of man following plane crash

%image(15290909, type="article-full", alt="Police at the scene of the accidenton the Essex/Suffolk border Picture: PAUL GEATER")

The spokesman added: “We will be maintaining a presence at the scene over the coming days to assist the Air Accidents Investigation Branch in their enquiries.”

Firefighters were called to assist at the scene and reported on arrival that the aircraft, which landed in an arable field, was alight.

Five fire crews from Essex attended the scene in Bells Road, Belchamp Walter and described it as an “aircraft incident”.

Crews from Long Melford, Clare and Bury St Edmunds fire stations were sent to the scene having been dispatched at 12pm today but have now stood down.

%image(15290473, type="article-full", alt="Police and fire have confirmed it is a "serious incident" and are unable to confirm if there any injuries at this stage Picture: PAUL GEATER")

There is a small private landing strip close to the site, which is four miles west of Sudbury and about five miles from Great Yeldham in Essex.

Gavin Barnes, of the Red Lion in neighbouring Belchamp Otten, said: “We understand it was an accident on landing. Half of Essex Police have been over there.”