TWO men have died after a light aircraft crashed at Biggin Hill on Saturday morning.

Rescue services were called to Victoria Gardens at 9.40am following reports that a low-winged Piper Cherokee aircraft had come down near the residential area after hitting a car.

The area has been cordoned off as the Civil Aviation Authority carries out an initial investigation. The dead men have not yet been named.

The aircraft had taken off from Biggin Hill airfield at around 9.15am. On board was an instructor of 20 years' experience and a recruitment pilot.

Shortly after take-off they reported problems with the plane. It appears that the pilot deliberately avoided crashing into houses and he is being praised by police for the action he took to prevent injuries to residents.

Steve Cox, spokesman for London Fire Brigade, said: "The message from the Metropolitan Police was that a Piper Cherokee light aircraft crashed onto a roadway at Victoria Gardens Biggin Hill airport.

"The brigade was called at 9.40am but we understand the airport fire service were first at the scene. Two people in the aeroplane were killed.

"We understand that the plane hit a stationary car with nobody reported inside the vehicle. We are on standby to make the scene safe such as clearing away spilled aviation fuel."

The air ambulance, three fire crews from Biggin Hill, Addington and Croydon and four ambulances were called to help with the rescue operation.

Alison Kerry, spokesman for London Ambulance Service, said: "We received 14 calls from local residents in the area. Two men in the aircraft where both pronounced dead at the scene at 10am by a doctor from the air ambulance.

"There were no other casualties. We are still maintaining a presence, with one ambulance and an ambulance officer."