A light aircraft has crashed close to Littleborough in Greater Manchester, prompting a large emergency response and the closure of surrounding countryside while enquiries continue. Police said two people were believed to have been on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
Emergency services were called to land near Hollingworth Lake on Tuesday afternoon following reports that a small plane had come down in open terrain. Officers, paramedics and fire crews attended the scene, with specialist teams remaining in the area into the evening.
Emergency response and safety cordon
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a cordon was put in place shortly after the crash was reported. Members of the public were asked to avoid the area while emergency services carried out their work and assessed the situation.
Police said enquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. No immediate information was released about injuries, and officials stressed that updates would be provided once more details had been confirmed.
Fire and rescue crews supported the response alongside ambulance services, with access restrictions introduced on nearby footpaths and tracks to allow emergency vehicles to operate safely.
Location near popular beauty spot
The aircraft is understood to have come down in countryside close to Hollingworth Lake, a well-known beauty spot on the edge of the Pennines that attracts walkers and visitors throughout the year. The area lies near the boundary between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire and includes open moorland and farmland.
Residents reported seeing emergency vehicles arriving from several directions during the afternoon. Police thanked the public for their cooperation and said the cordon would remain in place for as long as necessary.
Investigation under way
As with all aviation incidents in the UK, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is expected to be notified. The AAIB is responsible for establishing the causes of aircraft accidents and serious incidents, with a focus on improving safety rather than attributing blame.
Investigators typically examine physical evidence from the scene alongside flight information and witness accounts. Any findings would be published at a later stage once enquiries are complete.
Ongoing updates expected
Authorities said it was too early to confirm further details about the aircraft or those on board. Police urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and reiterated their request for people to stay away from the area while emergency operations and initial investigations continue.
The incident has drawn attention locally because of the proximity to a popular recreational area, but officials emphasised that public safety remained their priority. Further statements are expected once more information becomes available.
