Emergency services attended the scene shortly after the crash at 1.30pm. Photo: David Robert Jones
People across Lincolnshire are sending their support to the Scampton-based Royal Air Force Red Arrows team following a fatal crash of one of the Hawk jets at an RAF base in Wales yesterday.
As reported previously, the Red Arrows jet crashed at RAF Valley in Anglesey at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 20.
The pilot, understood to be Red 3 David Stark, managed to eject from the aircraft and survived the crash. He is receiving medical treatment.
The family of the engineer killed in the crash have been informed and the MoD said they asked for a 24-hour period of grace before more details are released.
An joint investigation is ongoing into the fatal incident between partners North Wales Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).
The wreckage lay covered in what looked like red tarpaulin was surrounded by firefighters that afternoon. Photo: David Robert Jones
The name of the engineer who died has not yet been released.
Tributes were paid up and down the country after news of the collision broke yesterday afternoon.
Prime Minister Theresa May posted her thoughts for the family and the pilot on Twitter:
"My condolences to the family of the RAF engineer who sadly died today on Anglesey. My thoughts are also with the pilot and with the Red Arrows following this tragic incident." – PM
Bishop of Lincoln Right Reverend Christopher Lowson said: “My prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the engineer, the pilot, and all who are part of the wider RAF family after the crash at RAF Valley in Wales.
“The Red Arrows are a familiar sight in our skies and very much part of life in the county as they live in Lincolnshire and fly overhead. We are proud of them and there is a sense of ownership of the Red Arrows. Today there is shared sadness.”
Photo: David Robert Jones
Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said in a statement:
“This tragic accident is a reminder that we must never take for granted the risks our people take in the service to our country.
“My deepest thoughts are with the friend and family of those involved at this terrible time.”
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the RAF engineer at this incredibly sad time.”
The MoD statement said: “It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of an engineer from the RAF Aerobatics Team (the Red Arrows) in a tragic accident today.
“The serviceman’s family have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.
“The pilot of the aircraft survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care.”
Very sorry to hear about the Red Arrows accident yesterday. If we needed reminding, it demonstrates the personal risks members of the Forces take every day to protect us.
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The body of a missing man from Grimsby was found after an incident on Wednesday, but his death is not being treated as suspicious, police said.
Humberside Police issued a missing person’s appeal for 51-year-old Robert Allison earlier this week, who was last seen on Torrington Street at around 5.25pm on Tuesday, March 2.
The force said on Thursday, March 4: “Thank you to those who shared our missing persons appeal in relation to Robert Allison.
“Sadly, following an incident yesterday (Wednesday), a man was found deceased and identified as 51-year-old Grimsby man Robert Allison.
“We can confirm his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.”
A 65-year-old man will appear in court in connection with alleged racial abuse of the Horncastle Town manager during a football game.
Peter Chapman, 65, of Chapel Lane, Spalding, is accused of racially abusing Horncastle manager Allan Ross during Pinchbeck United’s match with Lutterworth Town on October 31.
Allan had gone to watch his former club Pinchbeck as a supporter, when Chapman is believed to have looked chairman Gary Coomes in the eyes and allegedly said: “I see you’ve let a wog in the stadium.”
He will be in court for the offence of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
Lincolnshire FA launched an investigation into the incident, and have been working closely with Lincolnshire Police and Kick It Out throughout the case.
The Lincolnshire FA charged Pinchbeck United with failure to control spectators. This went to a Lincolnshire FA panel and was found proven.
Pinchbeck United were issued with a £50 fine and given a warning about future conduct in terms of controlling spectators.
Racially abused watching a football match today. Reported to the police who are unable to do anything. 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/FxU6ofAnAm
Allan Ross had previously told The Lincolnite that the support he has been given from the public has helped him cope.
He said: “I had a message from the (Pinchbeck) chairman apologising that more wasn’t done at the time. I have a lot of respect for Gary as a football man, chairman and person and I’m glad action was taken.
“I feel better in myself after the huge support I’ve had from the general public across the country.
“It has been phenomenal and now I know others also feel it shouldn’t be accepted and I’m going to fight for people to stand up and speak out.”
Over 17 bags and larger items, including discarded children’s toys, have been cleaned up from the streets of the Sincil Bank area of Lincoln.
Around 14 stalwart volunteers from the Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group attended the clean up event on Saturday, February 27. They worked in individuals or pairs due to the current coronavirus restrictions
The rubbish was then taken away by Biffa, which the group had previously arranged with the city council.
Volunteers Sarah Firth and Barbie Gooding helping to make Sincil Bank a clean area of the city. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
Stephen Lait is one of the volunteers for the Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
The group’s next clean up event is due to take place later this month, with an exact date to be finalised in due course.
Volunteers at the latest clean up included Nick Rawsthorne, who helps to publicise the events and take photos to illustrate the team’s work.
Volunteer Amy Firth picking up litter in the Sincil Bank area of Lincoln. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
He said: “We would ask that locals help support us by taking their litter home and disposing of it in an appropriate way.
“Many thanks for the hard work of all the volunteers who gave up their own time for no reward.”
Corrine Dore helping to keep Lincoln tidy. | Photo: Nick Rawsthorne
The Sincil Bank RiverCare and Litterpick Group help to keep the drains clear and protect local wildlife, as well as making the local community a cleaner place to live.