Man dies after paramotor crashes at famous golf course

The aircraft crashed on the Open Championship golf course at around 7pm on Thursday Credit: PA file

A man has died after a paramotor crashed at one of Britain's most famous golf club's, police have said.

The crash, at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, was originally believed to have involved a microlight aircraft but on Friday a Merseyside Police spokesman said it involved a paramotor, or powered paraglider.

The glider crashed on the Open Championship golf course at around 7pm on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: "Following enquiries we can confirm the incident at Royal Birkdale Golf Course yesterday evening involved a paramotor, not a microlight as originally reported."

An investigation is underway on behalf of the coroner to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The force added that Merseyside Fire and Rescue were called to the scene to tackle the fire caused when the aircraft hit the ground.

Royal Birkdale is one of 14 venues around the country that host the world-famous Open Championship golf tournament.

Established in 1889, the club last held the Open in 2017.