02/07/2009

RAF Tornado Crashes In Scotland

An RAF Tornado fighter has crashed in Argyll, police have confirmed.

It has been reported the aircraft crashed into a hillside near the Rest of Be Thankful pass at Arrochar, about two miles to the west of Loch Lomond at around 11.45am.

An ambulance spokeswoman said there are two crews at the scene and a specialist operations team is also on its way.

No civilians are thought to have been injured. There are no details on the condition of the pilot and navigator.

The plane is believed to be from RAF Leuchars, in Fife.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that police were called at 11.45am to a report of a plane crash near the Rest and Be Thankful, Arrochar.

"Police are arriving at the scene."

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue also said its officers were also assisting in the operation.

A statement said: "Strathclyde Fire and Rescue's operations support centre received a call reporting that an aircraft, possibly an RAF Tornado, had crashed into the hillside near the A83 at Cairndow.

"Five fire appliances, two major incident units with heavy rescue equipment and a technical support unit to deal with any potential hazardous materials and to minimise any environmental impact were mobilised as a result.

"Strathclyde Fire and Rescue personnel are working alongside personnel from the RAF, the police and ambulance services to deal with this incident and to locate the occupants of the aircraft."

(JM/BMcC)

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