A MAN has died in a plane crash in Essex, police have confirmed.

Officers were called to a field in Pebmarsh Road, Pebmarsh, this morning at about 9.30am following an "incident involving a light aircraft".

They arrived alongside colleagues with the ambulance service and Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

Essex Fire said when firefighters arrived at the scene they reported that a light aircraft was on fire.

Firefighters from Colchester, Halstead and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service worked to quickly extinguish the fire.

Essex Police has now confirmed a man, aged in his 70s, was found dead at the scene.

Officers say he was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

A spokesman said: "Officers continue to work alongside investigators with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to establish the circumstances around this incident. 

"A road closure will remain in place in the area overnight while these enquiries continue."

The AAIB was also sent to the scene to investigated the incident.