Update 6pm: The PSNI have confirmed that two people have been killed in the light aircraft crash in Co Antrim this afternoon.

In a statement, Superintendent Emma Bond said; “Emergency services received a report of a crash shortly after 12.30pm this afternoon. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) will examine the scene to determine the cause of the crash.

“Cordons have been placed in the area surrounding the aircraft to maintain the integrity of the scene as the investigation continues. I would ask that the cordons are respected by all and directions from officers at the scene are heeded.

“We are not in a position to confirm the identity of the deceased at this time.

“We expect the scene to be held for some time as enquiries are carried out.”

Emergency services are at the scene of a light aircraft crash in County Antrim. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

Update 5.30: Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in Co Antrim, sources said.

Paramedics, firefighters and an air ambulance helicopter attended the site near Nutts Corner after the Cessna plane caught fire.

The incident happened close to a wooded area shortly after noon on Thursday, two or three miles from Belfast International Airport.

A spokeswoman said the aircraft was not operating to or from there.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said no patients were taken from the scene. It put its major incident protocols into action but the incident was stood down at 12:49.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch sent a team to Crumlin.

The plane ended up sitting in a grassy area in the middle of a wood. Part of it was covered by what appeared to be a blue tarpaulin.

Earlier: Two people are reported to have died after a light aircraft crash in Co Antrim.

No patients were taken from the scene of the crash about three miles from Belfast International Airport, the ambulance service said.

Reports of the fatalities could not immediately be independently confirmed.

Paramedics, firefighters, an air ambulance and police attended the scene near Nutts Corner.

The incident happened close to a wooded area shortly after midday on Thursday, two or three miles from Belfast International Airport. A spokeswoman said the aircraft was not operating to or from there.

A statement from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: "No patients were taken from the scene and the major incident was stood down at 12:49."

It is believed the plane took off from Newtownards Airfield this morning.

The site is two or three miles from Belfast International Airport but a spokeswoman said the aircraft was not operating to or from there.

Newtownards airport, where the Ulster Flying Club is based, said it would make no comment.

We are operating as normal following an incident involving a light aircraft at Loanends 2/3 mls from Airport. The aircraft was not operating into or out of the airport. All further media enquiries should be addressed to @PoliceServiceNI — Belfast Airport (@belfastairport) April 19, 2018

She added: "It crashed in the vicinity of Loanends."

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a call at 12:23 this afternoon following reports that a light aircraft had come down near Nutts Corner."

Light aircraft crashes near Nutts Corner while heading for Belfast International Airport - emergency services at scene https://t.co/J2otO0V6s3 pic.twitter.com/9GjWPK3iGb — UTV Live News (@UTVNews) April 19, 2018

She added: "One rapid response paramedic, three emergency ambulance crews and two officers have been dispatched to the incident.

"The charity air ambulance has also been tasked to the scene.

Fire Crews, along with Police and Ambulance are attending the scene of a light aircraft crash near Nutts Corner, Crumlin. The call was received at 12.22pm today and 3 Fire Appliances are at the scene. The incident is ongoing. — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) April 19, 2018

"This is an ongoing incident and no further information is available at this time."

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement confirmed the emergency services were in attendance.