Ashbourne plane crash: Two dead after aircraft crash lands at race track as public told stay away

Two men have died after an at a race track this morning.

Emergency services were called to the track near Ashbourne, , with reports a plane had gone down. Crews raced to the scene at Darley Moor Racetrack after receviing the call at around 11.30am. have since confirmed that two men have died following the incident. They added that emergency services remain at the scene and issued an appeal for members of the public to avoid the area. Police have confirmed that the family of the two men have been notified.

One witness said that an air ambulance and a number of fire engines were spotted at the racetrack. In a statement, police confirmed two men died "after a light aircraft crashed at Darley Moor racetrack".

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The force added: "Family members of the two men have been made aware and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. A file is being prepared for the coroner."

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said crews from Ashbourne, Wirksworth, Nottingham Road, Staveley and Staffordshire's Uttoxeter were called to the scene, reports . A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to reports of an incident involving a light aircraft at Darley Moor racetrack at 11.25am.

"Firefighters from Ashbourne, Wirksworth, Nottingham Road, Staveley and Staffordshire's Uttoxeter attended the scene. Fire service resources have since been scaled back, with fire crews from Ashbourne and Wirksworth remaining on scene supporting colleagues from Derbyshire Constabulary."

Another witness reported seeing a Major Rescue Service vehicle heading along Ashbourne Road in Derby, towards Ashbourne, at 11.30am this morning. Derbyshire police confirmed the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: "An accident in the Ashbourne area of Derbyshire involving a light aircraft has been notified to the AAIB. An investigation has been launched and a multidisciplinary team of inspectors are on their way to the accident site."

Flying restrictions are also in place, according to the AAIB. The order, signed by the transport secretary, states that no aircraft must fly below 1,600ft above mean sea level over the Darley Moor area. The Darley Moor race track is home to a motorcycle road racing club.

Events at the track run from March to October each year with track days also running between April and October, which are aimed at welcoming those who may be considering joining the sport. The club has been running since 1964 on the site of a World War II RAF base. Darley Moor is the only club owned track in the UK, and has drawn a whole host of major names to its tarmac over the years.