Plane pieces fell on runway

It is understood that three other aircraft used the runway before the pieces of engine – some big enough to fill the back of a pick-up truck – were detected.

The UK’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Board confirmed this morning that it is treating the incident as ‘serious’ and has launched an immediate inquiry.

A spokesman for Flybe confirmed that there been ‘an incident’ involving one of its aircraft, but added that no passengers were on board. ‘Safety is Flybe’s number one priority and we are working closely with the authorities to understand the issues raised by the incident,’ the spokesman added.

• Full report in today’s Jersey Evening Post