Pilot suffers 'serious injuries' in airshow incident

A pilot has been taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries following an "incident" at a sold-out airshow.

Emergency services were called to Stow Maries Aerodrome, in Purleigh, near Maldon at about 14:25 BST on Sunday.

During a low-level display, one of the Turbulent Team's light aircraft became damaged, resulting in the pilot being injured, and the show was stopped.

"We are co-operating with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and emergency services and the site is currently closed to the public," a spokesperson for the Essex venue said.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "The sole occupant of the aircraft has been taken to hospital with serious injuries."

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics were in attendance, while police said no other injuries had been reported.

"Those attending the event are urged to follow the instructions of organisers and emergency service personnel," the police spokesperson added.

"The public are asked to please avoid the area to allow responders the space to work at the scene."

The pilot has been taken to hospital in London but it is not yet known how serious the injuries are.

The venue remains closed at this stage, it was confirmed.

A spokesperson for Stow Maries told the BBC the incident hd happened during "part of their well-practised routine".

An Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) spokesperson said it was aware of the incident.

"The AAIB have been made aware of an incident at an airshow near Chelmsford, and will deploy an inspector to undertake an initial assessment,” they said.

“Next steps on a further investigation will be communicated next week."

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