A pilot was killed and two others hurt in a plane crash near Leicester airport this afternoon.

The two light aircraft collided shortly after 2pm in the Great Stretton area of Leicestershire.

Police said one of the pilots died at the scene, while two men in the other plane suffered minor injuries.

The spokesman said the planes "landed" in the vicinity of Gartree Road, which has been sealed off to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident.

The spokesman added: "One of the aircraft contained one person, a man, who died at the scene. The second aircraft contained two men who both received minor injuries.

"Gartree Road from Stoughton Road to Mere Road, Great Stretton, has been closed off to allow for the emergency services to deal with the incident.

"It is anticipated that road will remain closed overnight and motorists are being advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route."

The crash, near Leicester Airport, was attended by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, which declined to give details of its involvement.

A representative of Leicestershire Aero Club, which is based at the airport, said police had been in contact but she could not give any further information about what had happened.

It is thought the planes collided in mid-air and the incident will now be the subject of an inquiry by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

The police spokesman added: "Inquiries are in their early stages, but from initial reports it is believed that the aircraft collided in the air."

Police are seeking witnesses to the crash, which involved a red aircraft which had just taken off from Leicester Airport and a yellow biplane which was due to land at the aerodrome after taking off in the Nottingham area.

Detective Inspector Rob Widdowson, who is overseeing the investigation on behalf of Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "We would urge anyone who was in the area before 2pm to think back and contact us if they believe they may have seen either aircraft beforehand.

"Even the slightest detail could help with our inquiries.

"We are in the process of preparing a file for the coroner and the identification of the deceased will be a matter for the coroner."