Three feared dead in plane crash

Three people are believed to have been killed after a light aircraft crashed onto farmland in Argyll.

The debris of the plane was discovered scattered over a hillside nine miles south of Oban just after 1500 BST.

A team of two Air Accidents Investigation Branch staff were sent to the scene and police said there appeared to be fatalities.

A light aircraft was believed have been reported overdue after failing to arrive at a small airfield in Essex.

The wreckage, scattered over a wide area of mountain slopes of Carn Dearg, was discovered by a local farmer.

Details of those on board have not been released but the plane is believed to have been carrying two adults and one child.

Further investigations will get under way at first light

Strathclyde Police, which has been dealing with the crash, has set up an incident unit at the scene.

The overdue plane took off from Oban heading for Andrew Field, Great Saling, in Essex.

A coastguard helicopter from Stornoway was scrambled to the scene, but returned to base as police, fire and mountain rescue teams continued to search the crash site.

Dave Whitelaw, chairman of the Connel Flying Club which operates out of Oban airport, said: "I know it is definitely not any of our members. But it is a great shame and a great loss."