A Royal Navy Hawk T1 jet has crashed in Cornwall, forcing two pilots two eject from the aircraft.

The crew are members of the 736 Naval Air Squadron and were on a flight from RNAS Culdrose. Both crew members were checked by local ambulance services shortly after the crash and were airlifted to hospital shortly after, but their injuries are thought to be minor.

Defence Minister Johnny Mercer confirmed the crash was the result of engine failure. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Two pilots are being checked by medics after ejecting from a Royal Navy Hawk aircraft from 736 Naval Air Squadron during a flight from RNAS Culdrose. An investigation will begin in due course. We won’t be providing further detail at this time.”

Police and fire services were also on the scene as efforts now turn to stopping leaking fuel from entering a nearby river