A CHANNEL Islands plane had to landing at Southend Airport this morning following a fault.

The Blue Islands ATR airliner descended on Southend Airport at 8.30am following the computer fault.

A Blue Islands spokesman said: "At approximately 8.25am local this morning, Blue Islands flight SI712 Jersey to London City experienced an on-board computer issue whilst on en-route to London City with 28 passengers and four crew on board.

"Due to operational restrictions at London City, the aircraft diverted to Southend Airport, landed safely and taxied to stand, all passengers disembarked as normal.

"The aircraft is currently being inspected by our engineers at Southend.

"The spare aircraft is currently flying to London City to collect inbound passengers to fly back to Jersey. Passenger, crew and aircraft safety is our number one priority at all times. "