A pilot has died after a Spitfire crashed in a field near an RAF base in Lincolnshire.
Emergency crews were called to the scene on Langrick Road in Coningsby following reports the plane went down shortly before 1.20pm.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today.
“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
Lincolnshire Police said the male pilot was the “sole occupant of the aircraft” and he died at the scene.
“Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed,” a force spokesperson said.
“Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result.”
An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.
It has been reported the Spitfire was taking part in a Battle of Britain memorial event.
RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays.
The RAF said it was “working with the emergency services and supporting those involved”.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news from Lincolnshire.
Speaking on X, he said: “Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”
Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was aware of the incident but it was not involved as it was a military investigation.
