A light aircraft has crashed in Northern Ireland, killing at least three people, police said tonight.
The plane went down in the Belmont Road area of Kilkeel, a fishing village in County Down. There were reports of misty conditions at the time of the crash.
Local reports said there have been casualties with at least three people dead. Police confirmed that there were three fatalities in the crash.
A PSNI spokeswoman said they got reports of the air accident around ten past nine tonight.
It is understood the aircraft was a four-seater.
Police and fire crews were searching the wreckage tonight to see if anyone else was on board.
Stormont minister and Assembly member for the area Margaret Ritchie said she was stunned by news of the incident.
"This is a very sad and tragic occasion," said the SDLP representative.
"While not yet knowing the full details or the individuals involved I would offer my heartfelt sympathies to their families.
"I would hope a full investigation is now carried out to see exactly how something like this could have happened."
Ulster Unionist MLA for South Down John McAllister said the weather in the area had closed in rapidly during the evening.
"This is an awful tragedy," he said.
"My first thoughts are obviously with the families of those involved who are going to hear some terrible news tonight.
"We also must find out what went wrong and how this happened."
