TWO people have died in a light aircraft crash in East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police said a search was launched on Wednesday evening after reports a plane had come down one mile short of the runway at Beverley Airfield at 7.30pm.

In an initial statement, police said both people on board the aircraft were thought to be safe and a search of the area was trying to locate them.

However, in a later statement, the force said: "Following an extensive search of the countryside close to Beverley Airfield near Leven a light aircraft has now been found.

"The aircraft had crashed and sadly both the pilot and a passenger who were the occupants of the aircraft suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

"The families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"We want to thank all emergency services, volunteers and local residents involved in the search, their assistance is very much appreciated."

A spokesman said a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash was under way.

On Thursday morning, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch posted on social media to confirm their inspectors were on their way to Beverley to examine the scene.

On Thursday afternoon, Humberside Police confirmed the light aircraft "was flying south from the Scottish Borders and came down near to the approach to the landing strip at Beverley Airfield".

A spokesman said: "An extensive multi-agency search was immediately launched across a large rural area to find the plane, which included numerous members of the public who offered their help.

"The plane was found in the corner of a field some distance away from the road.

"Information was passed on to us when the incident was first reported to indicate that the passenger and pilot were safe. As our search began and progressed, it became clear that while this information had been provided with good intention, it was not correct."

Anyone who saw the crash, or the aircraft prior to the crash, is urged to phone Humberside Police on 101 quoting log 511 of October 10.