Pebmarsh: Pilot dies as aircraft crashes and catches fire near Stanley Hall at Halstead in Essex

A pilot has died after a light aircraft crashed near a stately home, police have confirmed.

Essex police, ambulance and fire crews were called to a field near Stanley Hall, off Pebmarsh Road, just before 9.30am on Monday.

Officers said a man in his 70s - who was the only person in the aircraft - was found dead at the scene.

Firefighters from Colchester, Halstead and Suffolk worked quickly to extinguish the blaze, the fire service said.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch - which takes on serious incidents - is also looking into the reported crash.

A road closure is expected to remain in place in the area overnight while inquiries continue, said police.

Stanley Hall is a Grade II listed building, which is also used as a performance venue.

It has hosted The Lord Chamberlain's Men theatre company, and is described as a moated Elizabethan manor house with two acres of island gardens, surrounded by 30 acres of park, meadow, woodland and a small organic farm.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Essex Police.

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