US military jet crashes into sea off coast of East Yorkshire

A search and rescue operation is underway Credit: PA

A major operation is underway after a US fighter jet crashed into the North Sea off the coast of East Yorkshire.

The F-15C Eagle, which was from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, crashed at around 9.40am on Monday 15 June.

According to RAF Lakenheath, the jet was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.

The status of the pilot is not known.

In a statement, RAF Lakenheath said:

WATCH: A statement by Colonel Will Marshall, Commander of the 48th Fighter Wing

The RAF base tweeted ahead of the exercise on Monday Morning.

A search and rescue operation is underway, with coastguard crews attending from Humberside, Bridlington and Scarborough.

In a statement, HM Coastguard said:

The F15C, a single-seater air defence fighter, has been used by the US Air Force since 1979.

RAF spokesman Martin Tinworth said the aircraft has an "exceptional flight safety record".