A pilot has died after a Spitfire crashed in a field near an RAF base in Lincolnshire, a Royal Air Force spokesperson has confirmed.

“It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today,” a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.

“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Police and other emergency services rushed to the airfield at 1.20pm on Saturday. Only the pilot is thought to have been involved in the incident.

Road closures are in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.

Lincolnshire police said: “It is believed to be a single-occupant aircraft and nobody else is thought to have been involved.”

Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said in a post on X: “Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilot’s family at this awful time.”

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, said on X: “Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales said they are “incredibly sad” to hear of the death of the Royal Air Force pilot.

RAF Coningsby is home to two frontline combat-ready squadrons and is the training station for Typhoon pilots.

It also hosts the RAF Battle of Britain memorial flight, which is intended to maintain historic aircraft in airworthy condition to commemorate RAF members who lost their lives in service.

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