London Southend Airport in Essex has suspended operations indefinitely following a small aircraft crash on Sunday afternoon.

Essex Police confirmed they were alerted shortly before 4pm local time to reports of a collision involving a 12-metre plane. Emergency services, including air accident investigators, remain at the scene.

The aircraft, identified by British media as a Beechcraft B200, reportedly crashed moments after takeoff. The number of individuals on board has not yet been disclosed.

Unverified images circulating online showed a fireball and thick smoke rising above the airport, located approximately 56km east of central London.

The East of England Ambulance Service deployed four ambulances and additional response units to the site. A police cordon has been established, and nearby facilities were evacuated as a precaution.

The airport confirmed via social media that all inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled. Its website listed five international flights affected by the disruption.

Source: CNA

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