Dead pilot in child porn probe

The Gardners' house was searched two days before the crash

A pilot who died with his wife when their plane crashed in Liverpool Bay was being investigated over child porn allegations, it has emerged.

Martin and Nora Gardner, both 56, and from Haydock, Merseyside, died when their light aircraft came down shortly after 1245 BST last Sunday.

Merseyside Police have confirmed a house in Haydock was searched for child pornography two days before the crash.

It is understood the house belonged to Mr and Mrs Gardner.

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a joint operation took place between Merseyside and Cumbria Police on Friday 2 July which resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a house in Haydock.

"The warrant came as a result of information concerning the distribution of child pornography.

Air investigators are still trying to establish why the plane crashed

"As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Mr Gardner was a senior manager at Renault Trucks in Kingstown, Cumbria, and the couple also had an address in Carlisle.

Air accident investigators are still establishing how the plane, a Piper Warrior, crashed.

Mr Gardiner told air traffic control he was in trouble just before the crash.

Frequent flyer

The wreck is being examined by the Air Accident Investigation Branch in Farnborough, Hampshire.

Mr Gardner was a member of Cheshire Air Training School and was a frequent flyer from Liverpool airport with his wife.

Speaking on Monday - before news of the child pornography investigation came to light - Roderick Geeson, chief flying instructor at the school, said: "We're obviously very upset to hear of the death of our friends.

"It was simply [Martin's] passion in life and he would frequently come along to enjoy an afternoon's flying, with his wife accompanying him.

"They will both be sadly missed by all of us."