Red Arrows jet sparks alert

The aeroplane was returning from a display

A pilot from the Red Arrows aerobatic display team sparked a safety alert when he overshot the runway at Inverness Airport.

The Hawk jet went off the landing strip and came to a halt in a field inside the airport perimeter.

The Royal Air Force said the pilot was not injured and the plane was slightly damaged.

A spokeswoman said details of the incident were unclear at the moment, but a full inquiry would be held.

The Red Arrows had been returning from a display at Tain in Easter Ross.

Crews scrambled

Emergency procedures were activated at about 1900 BST.

The fire brigade and ambulances were scrambled to the scene.

The airport, which is owned by Highlands and Islands Airports, was closed until the runway was checked and cleared.

It was able to open again less than an hour after the incident.