Police were called at 10.27am yesterday after reports of an aircraft crash on farmland near the village of Buckland St Mary, close to Taunton. Both people onboard – one male and one female – died in the incident.

       Formal identification is yet to take place but the next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

       South Western Ambulance Service sent a number of medics, including a hazardous area response team and land ambulance crews.

       A police cordon will remain in place until the weekend.

       Supt Paul Wigginton said: “This is a tragic incident in which two people have sadly lost their lives.

       “It’s too early to give any further details about the victims.

       "But we are making sure the next of kin have all the support they need at this distressing time.

       “The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) was informed yesterday and deployed a team of investigators.

       “We’ve been working very closely with our colleagues from the other emergency services at the scene to make the area safe and ensure the investigation can proceed.

       “A cordon remains in place and we’d respectfully ask people not to attend the scene while enquiries continue.”

       A separate tweet posted by Avon and Somerset police said: "Two people died in a light aircraft crash yesterday (12 Aug) near Buckland St Mary, Somerset.

       "Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

       "We attended along with @swasFT and @DSFireUpdates

       "The Air Accidents Investigations Branch are aware."