Popular birding site in in Essex temporarily closed after tragic weekend incident involving light aircraft

                                  

Hanningfield Reservoir - the scene of the tragedy (photo: Essex Wildlife Trust)

A POPULAR birding site in Essex has been temporarily closed following a tragic incident on Sunday.

Essex and Suffolk Water's 870-acre Hanningfield Reservoir, near Chelmsford,  is out of bounds after a man died when his light aircraft crashed into the water at about 2pm.

The plane - a Beagle B121 Pup - had left North Weald Airfield, near Epping Forest,  just before noon on December 28.

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan of Essex Police said: "I would firstly like to recognise that someone has lost their life in tragic circumstances. 

"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident.

"Work to identify this man will be undertaken sensitively with HM Coroner, and it is not right that we officially confirm his identity until this procedure has been followed."

A spokesperson for Epping Forest District Council said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the tragic news of this fatal incident that occurred on Sunday at Hanningfield Reservoir. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who lost his life in the accident.  

"We ask that the close-knit community associated with North Weald Airfield is given some space to comprehend what has happened - news of this accident will have come as a shock to everyone.

"We want to recognise the incredible dedication and professionalism of our emergency services, especially Essex Police, who work tirelessly, often in the most challenging circumstances.

"We understand the Air Accidents Investigation Branch  has begun an investigation."