Littleborough plane crash update as two men dead after Greater Manchester tragedy | UK | News

Two people have been confirmed dead following a plane crash in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday. Greater Manchester Police, ambulances and fire crews rushed to the moorland near Blackstone Edge and Lake Hollingworth, while specialist emergency services were also on hand.

The plane crashed in the town of Littleborough, less than 40 minutes’ drive from Manchester. The bodies of the two people who lost their lives were found at the scene. Official identification has not yet occurred.

Officers and investigators will remain on scene throughout the night and into tomorrow, January 4th.

Chief Inspector Danny Inglis, of GMP’s Rochdale area, said: “This is a devastating incident that has claimed the lives of two people and our thoughts are with their families and friends.

“We are working closely with our emergency service colleagues and partner agencies throughout the day to establish all the circumstances and will be on scene throughout the night and tomorrow.

“There will be an increased presence as officers and investigators thoroughly search the area and ensure the recovery of all available evidence. If anyone has any information or witnessed the crash, we ask that you contact us.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the crash and sent a team to the area.

The statement said: “An accident involving a light aircraft that occurred near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, today (3 February) has been reported to the AAIB.

“An investigation was launched and a multidisciplinary team of investigators headed to the scene of the accident.”

A plane took off from Birmingham Airport around 10:00 this morning. According to FlightRadar24, it flew north over Burton Upon Trent, the Peak District and Shepley, then turned west over the moors near Marsden View.

The plane began losing altitude at around 10:34 am, shortly before crashing. Nearby residents reported conditions were foggy and windy at the time.