Wiltshire plane crash: Two killed in light aircraft wreck as firefighters called to farmer's field to control blaze

Crops were set ablaze when the plane came down at 6.30 last night

Brimslade in Wiltshire, where the plane came down (Google Street View)

Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in a field in Marlborough in Wiltshire, police have confirmed.

Crops were set ablaze when the plane came down at 6.30 last night, with four fire crews called to extinguish the flames.

Wiltshire Police confirmed two men had died after the incident at Brimslade Farm on the banks of the River Avon, which was also attended by air accident investigators and a specialist police team.

"Two men were confirmed deceased at the scene. Formal identification has not yet taken place," said a force spokesperson.

An investigation led by the air accidents investigation branch is underway into the cause of the crash.

"Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in this incident at this difficult time," said the spokesperson.

Light aircraft – planes and helicopters that weight less than 5,670kg at takeoff – are often used for leisure.

However, the number of new private and commerical pilot licences has been falling since 2003, according to Flight Global.