Two men have died in a light aircraft crash near Compton Abbas.

The tragic incident took place at 9.28am on Saturday at the airfield near Shaftesbury.

It was reported to Dorset Police that a Tiger Moth had come down and smoke was seen.

Emergency services attended the scene to deal with the incident and the Air Accident Investigation Branch was informed.

Chief Inspector Richard Bell, of Dorset Police, said: “Sadly, two men have died in the crash – the passenger, 67 years old and from Shaftesbury, and the pilot, 64 years old and from Blandford.

“Our thoughts are very much with their families at this very difficult time.

“For a brief period due to the smoke we had to put road closures in place and would like to thank any affected motorists for their patience.”

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The air ambulance was sent along with a land ambulance, which was stood down.