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Light aircraft makes emergency landing on A40 near Cheltenham

WATCH: Light aircraft is moved after making an emergency landing on A40

A light aircraft has made a forced landing on a main commuter road in Gloucestershire after a suspected engine failure.

Emergency services are at the scene on the A40 Golden Valley close to the village of Churchdown, near Cheltenham.

Gloucestershire Police are in attendance and confirmed the plane came down shortly before 18:00 BST.

A spokesperson for the force said: "No-one was injured and it is understood that no other vehicles were involved."

It is understood people got out of the aircraft and made it to safety.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said an investigation had been launched.

A fire engine in the road
The plane has been moved to the lay by

Gloucestershire Airport director, Jason Ivey, said: "We are aware that a pilot has had to perform an emergency landing on the public highway due to a suspected engine failure.

"We are currently investigating to find out what happened and why.

"Our priority right now is to ensure everyone's well-being."

Mr Ivey added that the plane was flying to Staverton, where it is normally based, and the airport closed as a result of the incident.

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The plane, which landed on the central reservation, has been moved to a layby where specialist aircraft recovery service will retrieve it.

Gloucestershire Police said: "We were called shortly before 18:00 BST with a report a light aircraft had landed on the A40 Golden Valley.

"Police remain at the scene at this time."

National Highways South West said the A40 has reopened in both directions between the A417 and the M5 J11.

The road was shut for over two hours after the incident.

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