Two people dead in Littleborough light aircraft crash

Emergency services were called shortly after 11am to reports that a plane had come down in a farmland area of Littleborough.

Upon arrival, the bodies of two men were recovered and were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

It is not believed that anyone else was on board, and there are no reported injuries to people on the ground.

The aircraft is believed to have been a Cirrus light aircraft, which had taken off from Birmingham earlier this morning.

Authorities are also exploring whether a parachute was deployed prior to the crash.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are working alongside other emergency services, with a cordon still in place as investigators continue their enquiries.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) arrived on the scene this evening and has begun its investigation.

National Grid personnel have also been supporting the emergency response to secure the area, but have confirmed there should be no disruption to the electricity supply.

Minor disruption to local residents is possible in the coming hours.

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “This is a devastating incident where two people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families and friends.

“We have been working closely with emergency service colleagues and partner agencies throughout the day to establish the full circumstances and we will be on scene overnight and into tomorrow.

“There will be an enhanced presence as officers and investigators comprehensively survey the area and ensure all available evidence is recovered.

“If anyone has any information, or witnessed the crash, we would urge you to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or through GMP’s Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1056 of 03/02/26.