Investigators have launched a probe into a serious plane crash in countryside near Romsey.

A person was seriously injured in the incident in Ryedown Lane, East Wellow, at around 8pm on Thursday.

Officers from the Air Accident Investigation Branch, based in Aldershot, went down to the site on Friday to look into the cause.

A spokesman said: “The AAIB has sent a team to Romsey, Hampshire to begin an investigation into a light aircraft accident which occurred on Thursday. Our team of inspectors will make enquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation.”

Rydown Lane, East Wellow near Romsey (Image: Google street view)

It sparked a major emergency response with a number of fire engines, police cars and ambulance sent to the scene. Several roads were closed.

In a statement on Friday, the fire service said: "Firefighters were called to a field in East Wellow at around 8pm last night following a crash involving a light aircraft.

"Crews from Romsey, Redbridge and Eastleigh were on the scene working alongside partners.

"Road closures were put in place to allow access for emergency services vehicles.

"The incident was handed over to police officers as HIWFRS left the scene at 9.22pm."

Yesterday a police spokesman said: "You may have seen a large number of emergency vehicles in the East Wellow area this evening.

"Officers attended to assist with road closures, while our colleagues from the fire service and ambulance service dealt with the incident.

"One person has suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.

"We know it will have been concerning for people to see the large response, so we wanted to update you on what had happened. The Air Accident Investigations Branch will pick up further inquiries."

In October 2020 the AAIB investigated the crash of a Cessna 185A Skywagon light aircraft into woodland after taking off from a private airstrip near Romsey, heading to the Isle of Wight.