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A plane has crashed onto the Royal Birkdale golf course and burst into flames.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Southport at around 7pm to reports that an aircraft had come down on the course.

Road closures were quickly put in place by police officers to assist fire crews and paramedics at the scene.

The aircraft, described as a microlite, is believed to have hit the ground and burst into flames, according to Merseyside Police.

Royal

A spokesperson for the force said: "We can confirm we are tonight, Thursday, 11 April, dealing with an incident in Birkdale.

"At around 7pm this evening emergency services were called to the Royal Birkdale Golf Course following reports a microlight aircraft had crashed.

"Merseyside Fire and Rescue are at the scene extinguishing the fire caused when the aircraft hit the ground. Ambulance crew are also in attendance.

"Road closures are in place on the Coastal Road including Shore Road and Weld Road and we advise motorists to avoid the area."

Meseyside Fire and Rescue said on Twitter: "Our crews are currently in attendance at an ongoing incident in the Southport area, along with police colleagues and North West Ambulance Service."

On Facebook, Merseyside Police said: "We are currently dealing with an incident at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Waterloo Road, Southport , which was reported to us at approximately 19:00 hrs this evening.

"Due to the nature of the incident, the Coastal Road between its junction with Shore Road & Weld Road has been closed.

"It is expected to be closed for a number of hours and we request road users find an alternative route for their journeys this evening."

A tweet from Merseyside Police confirmed the road closures in the area. It said: "Police are currently dealing with an incident in the Southport area.

"Road Closures are in place from Pontins on Coastal Road, Shore Road and Weld Road.

"Please avoid the area and find alternative routes."

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics were in attendance at the incident but could not confirm details about the pilot.

Steve Coulton, secretary of the Ince Blundell Flying Club, told the ECHO that all the club's pilots were safe, and none were involved in the incident.

The condition of the pilot is not yet known.