Red Arrows interrupted by plane

The Red Arrows resumed their display in safety

A light aircraft interrupted a Red Arrows display on Saturday when it flew into restricted airspace at Eastbourne air show.

The Red Arrows had already begun a display when the aircraft was seen at 1241 BST, a council spokesman said.

The precision aerobatics team was held in safe airspace until the aircraft left the restricted zone, when the display was resumed, he added.

He said the Civil Aviation Authority would take action against the pilot.

Display resumed

The spokesman said the aircraft "had no approval or clearance to be in the air space".

"The aircraft has been identified and will be reported to the Civil Aviation Authority who will take appropriate action.

"The aircraft was identified very early in the Red Arrows display and they were held in safe airspace until the light aircraft had left the restricted area.

"The Red Arrows then resumed their display in safety," he said.

This year is the 40th display season for the Red Arrows and Eastbourne was promised a special flying display to mark the event.

On Saturday, the Red Arrows team was attending the Eastbourne ground display, to sign autographs, meet fans and visit the children's entertainment area - the Red Arrow Playzone.