A CARGO plane with a possible engine fire has reportedly made an emergency landing at Southend Airport this evening, an eyewitness says.

The twin engine plane was on a cargo charter flight from East Midlands Airport to Ostrava, in the Czech Republic, when it developed a problem flying over the North Sea, a source who asked not to be named revealed.

He said the pilot elected to divert to Southend airport for an emergency landing, and the aircraft landed safely at about 5.30pm.

"There has just been a full scale emergency at Southend airport for a cargo aircraft with a possible engine fire," he said.

"The twin engine Saab 340 was on a cargo charter flight from East Midlands Airport to Ostrava, Czech Republic when it developed a problem flying over the North Sea and the pilot elected to divert to Southend for an emergency landing."

It is understood the aircraft is operated by RVL Aviation at East Midlands Airport.

Southend Airport and East Midlands Airport have been contacted for comment.

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