US 'F-15' military jet crashes in Weston Hills, Lincolnshire

Police are investigating after pilot forced to bail out

An American military aircraft has crashed into a field in Lincolnshire, police have said.

Officers were called to the scene in Weston Hills near Spalding at 3.30pm this afternoon, where witnesses described seeing the jet go down in a rural area.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the US military, but was unable to say what kind of plane was involved.

A spokesman for the US Air Force at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk said they were currently investigating reports that one of their F-15 fighters may be involved after coming down during a training exercise.

Lincolnshire Police said that the crash site had been cordoned off, and warned members of the public to avoid the area due to the potential for toxic fumes.

A spokesperson said that the pilot had "escaped with very minor injury" and been taken from the scene by helicopter.

"We are unable to confirm at this time the type of aircraft or where it has flown from but the pilot has been located and indications are that he is safe," a statement read.

Writing on Twitter, Lucy Chesworth said she had seen a "plane go down and crash and pilots parachuting out".

Marcus Pell, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, said a Wessex helicopter was on the scene.