A pilot has died after a Spitfire crashed in a area close to an RAF base in Lincolnshire, a Royal Air Drive spokesperson has confirmed.

“It’s with nice unhappiness that we should affirm the loss of life of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident close to RAF Coningsby immediately,” a Ministry of Defence spokesperson mentioned.

“The pilot’s household have been knowledgeable and we ask that their privateness is revered at this tough time.”

Police and different emergency providers rushed to the airfield at 1.20pm on Saturday. Solely the pilot is assumed to have been concerned within the incident.

Street closures are in place within the areas of Dogdyke Street and Sandy Financial institution, and motorists have been urged to keep away from the world.

Lincolnshire police mentioned: “It’s believed to be a single-occupant plane and no one else is assumed to have been concerned.”

Keir Starmer, the Labour chief, mentioned in a submit on X: “Deeply saddened by information from Lincolnshire. Thanks to the emergency providers for his or her response. My ideas are with the pilot’s household at this terrible time.”

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, mentioned on X: “Terrible information to see the lifetime of a serving RAF pilot reduce brief on this tragic occasion. My ideas are with their household and family members.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales mentioned they’re “extremely unhappy” to listen to of
the loss of life of the Royal Air Drive pilot.

RAF Coningsby is residence to 2 frontline combat-ready squadrons and is the coaching station for Storm pilots.

It additionally hosts the RAF Battle of Britain memorial flight, which is meant to take care of historic plane in airworthy situation to commemorate RAF members who misplaced their lives in service.