One man is killed as microlight aircraft crashes and burns on Royal Birkdale golf course in Merseyside
- Fire engines, ambulances and police cars went to the scene in Southport at 7pm
- The aircraft is believed to have burst into flames after it smashed onto the course
- Road closures were put in place on the country lanes around the golf course
- Royal Birkdale is one of England’s most prestigious courses and hosts the Open
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a flaming microlight which had plummeted onto Royal Birkdale golf course in Merseyside.
The pilot was confirmed dead at the scene after the aircraft crashed onto the the long grass in Southport at around 7pm on Thursday.
Police officers shut down country roads around the course as paramedics and fire crews attended to the crash.
The aircraft is believed to have hit the ground and burst into flames, according to Merseyside Police.
Fire crews and police cars can be seen on the country road adjacent to the golf course on Thursday evening in Southport
A police van with its lights on blocks the road close to where the microlight crashed onto the course
A fire engine can be seen surrounded by police vehicles with the golf course in the background
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We can confirm we are tonight, Thursday, 11 April, dealing with an incident in Birkdale.
‘At around 7pm this evening emergency services were called to the Royal Birkdale Golf Course following reports a microlight aircraft had crashed.
‘Merseyside Fire and Rescue are at the scene distinguishing the fire caused when the aircraft hit the ground. Ambulance crew are also in attendance.
‘Road closures are in place on the Coastal Road including Shore Road and Weld Road and we advise motorists to avoid the area.’
Meseyside Fire and Rescue said: ‘Our crews are currently in attendance at an ongoing incident in the Southport area, along with police colleagues and North West Ambulance Service.’
Fire crews stand at the perimeter of Royal Birkdale golf course after rushing to the scene
Royal Birkdale is one of England’s most prestigious and hosts the Open Championship, most recently its tenth Open was in 2017 (pictured)
Steve Coulton, secretary of the Ince Blundell Flying Club, which is based eight miles south of the golf course, said all the club’s pilots were safe, and none were involved in the incident.
Royal Birkdale is one of England’s most prestigious clubs and hosts the Open Championship.
Its most recent and tenth hosting of the tournament was in 2017 – Jordan Spieth lifted the trophy that year, with Matt Kuchar finishing runner up.