An investigation is underway after reports that two gliders collided 'mid-air' and one crashed to the ground on the South side of Melton earlier today (Thursday).
As we broke the news this afternoon, emergency services were scrambled to the incident off Leicester Road just after 3pm following reports that a glider had crashed in to a field.
Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service mobilised two appliances, one from Melton and one from Birstall to the scene.
The glider came down in a field just off Leicester Road in Melton. Photo: Michael Riley Aerial Media
Police officers and crews from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) also attended the scene along with the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.
It has not been confirmed whether anyone was injured in the incident and a full investigation is under way.
A second glider in a field off Sandy Lane, Melton, earlier this afternoon. Photo: Michael Riley Aerial Media.
A spokesperson for the Air Accident Investigation Branch said: "We have launched an investigation into a glider mid-air collision which occurred this afternoon near Melton Mowbray, Leicester, and have deployed a team to the site."
One eyewitness who told NEMM: "The aircraft flew at pace low over the Roman Gate development towards the neighbouring Roundhouse Park development. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland air ambulance, a search and rescue helicopter, two fire appliances, half a dozen police cars, including unmarked, and ambulances joined by two unmarked white estate cars spent the best part of an hour at the scene."
A second glider was also found in a field near Sandy Lane in Melton which was being checked over by emergency services in the afternoon.
Reports from local residents suggest that at least two gliders were in the area at the time when they heard a loud bang and one of them fell towards the ground.
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of this incident and officers are in attendance along with the East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has also been informed. We cannot provide any further information at this time."
It has not been confirmed if there were any injuries from the incident.
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