Southend Airport was closed earlier today after a light aircraft skidded off the runway when it landed.

The airport was closed momentarily while the situation was handled.

Three people were onboard the aircraft but were not harmed in the incident.

The police and fire service were called.

A spokesman for the Essex Police said: "We were called to reports of a plane which had come to rest on an area of grass at Southend Airport at around 11.45am on Sunday, February 11.

"We attended and do not believe there is anything suspicious involved.

"The incident is being handed over to the airport."

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were standing by after being called to an incident involving a light aircraft at Southend Airport, but then stood down."

A spokesman for Southend Airport said: "At around 11.45am this morning (Sunday 11 February 2018) a light aircraft arriving at London Southend Airport left the runway on landing when the undercarriage collapsed and came to rest in adjacent grass.

"The three people on board the aircraft were all unharmed and left the aircraft unaided after it came to rest.  The airport’s Fire and Rescue Services responded to the incident and were quickly on the scene.

"The airport operations were suspended for a short time, causing only a six-minute delay to one flight. The aircraft has now been moved and the airport is operating normally."