EMERGENCY services including police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene of a plane ditching in the water following a Bournemouth Air Festial display.

Police were called shortly before 4pm today, Saturday, September 4, after one of the two Wingwalker planes had gone down in the Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour.

Two people onboard were resecued and reportedly sustained minor injuries.

In a statement issued on social media, Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 3.50pm on Saturday, September 4, that a small aircraft had crashed into the water in the Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour. Emergency services are at the scene.

Bournemouth Echo:

“The aircraft was part of the Bournemouth Air Festival flight schedule with two people reported to be onboard. Both occupants have been rescued and are reported to have sustained minor injuries. They are receiving treatment by the ambulance service.

“An investigation is under way and we would please ask members of the public to avoid the area and harbour to allow emergency services to deal with the incident. A police cordon is currently in place.

“The Bournemouth Air Festival flying schedule has been suspended for today.”

Bournemouth Echo:

In a further statement, the force said the Sandbanks Ferry is still operating.

"The Sandbanks Ferry is running, but there are very long queues causing congestion on both the Sandbanks and Swanage sides," said a force spokesperson.

"Motorists are reminded that they can take the road route to avoid the long delays."