London Southend Airport in Essex has suspended all operations until further notice after a small aircraft crashed on its runway on Sunday afternoon. The incident prompted a full emergency response, with all flights to and from the airport now cancelled.

Local police confirmed they were called to the scene shortly before 4 p.m. following reports of a collision involving a 12-metre (39.4-foot) aircraft. The exact number of people on board the plane remains unknown, and authorities have not yet confirmed any casualties.

“We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport,” Essex Police said in a statement. “Emergency services and air accident investigators are in attendance.”

Footage published by British news websites, which has not been verified, appeared to show a fireball rising above the airport moments after the crash. The East of England Ambulance Service deployed four ambulances and several specialist response vehicles to the scene.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), London Southend Airport said it had cancelled all flights and closed the facility as a precaution while investigations continue. The airport’s website showed at least five international flights had been cancelled as a result of the incident.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is expected to lead the inquiry into the cause of the crash.

Located around 35 miles (56 km) east of central London, Southend Airport primarily handles short-haul international flights and is a key regional hub. There is no word yet on when flight operations will resume.

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