A US Air Force pilot is missing after a fighter jet crashed into the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire.
The F-15C Eagle aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, and is thought to have crashed into the sea just after 9.40am this morning while out on a training mission.
While the cause of the crash is not yet known, the US Air Force has confirmed that only one pilot was on board the aeroplane that the time of the incident.
The crash is thought to have occurred 74 nautical miles from the East Yorkshire coast, and Search and Rescue teams have begun to look for both the aircraft and the pilot.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "The HM Coastguard helicopter from Humberside has been sent along with Bridlington and Scarborough RNLI lifeboats.
"Following a Mayday broadcast by HM Coastguard, other vessels nearby are heading to the area."
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A statement from RAF Lakenheath read: "A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle crashed at approximately 0940 today in the North Sea. The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
"At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.
"The cause of the crash as well as the status of the pilot are unknown at this time, and U.K. Search and Rescue have been called to support.
"As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided."
Featured Image Credit: PA