Two men have died after a light aircraft crashed near Rochdale, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has said.
The Cirrus light aircraft had taken off from Birmingham on Tuesday and crashed in a farmland area of Littleborough shortly after 11am, according to the force.
The force does not believe there was anyone else on board, and there are no reported injuries on the ground.
Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP's Rochdale district, said: "This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends."
The Independent understands that fire service crews from across Greater Manchester arrived at around 11.30am after being informed of a light aircraft crash on the moors in the Littleborough area, in the borough of Rochdale - around 13 miles north-east of the city of Manchester.
On Tuesday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We are working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies to establish the full circumstances.
“There will be an enhanced presence as officers and investigators comprehensively survey the area and ensure all available evidence is recovered.
“We would ask people to please avoid the area while emergency services remain on scene, to ensure that a full investigation and review can be carried out.
“If anyone has any information, or witnessed the crash, we would urge you to get in touch with us.”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the crash.
A spokesperson said: “An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred today (3 February) near Rochdale, Greater Manchester 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.”
A GMP spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon it was still working with other emergency services and the AAIB to try and establish the circumstances. National Grid are also at the scene to support the response and help make the area safe.
The Independent has contacted North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
Two men dead after light aircraft crashes in Greater Manchester
Light aircraft carrying two people crashes in Greater Manchester
Conservatives announce retired detective as Gorton by-election candidate
The 11 most explosive emails between Epstein and Mandelson
A full timeline of Fergie and Jeffrey Epstein’s relationship
Top preventable cancer causes in UK revealed – and how to cut your risk
