A passenger plane has made an emergency landing after a technical fault forced it to turn back and circle Kent.

The Boeing 747 London to Las Vegas flight repeatedly flew over Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge after experiencing issues with one of its landing gears.

The plane was spotted with landing gear deployed and witnesses claimed it was flying low and at a slight angle.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: "We can confirm that flight VS43, travelling to McCarran International Airport Las Vegas, returned to London Gatwick due to a technical issue with one of the landing gears.

"The aircraft is preparing to implement a non-standard landing procedure at Gatwick airport. A further update will be issued as soon as possible."

It has been reported that the M23 will be temporarily closed due to an incident, and trains through Gatwick will be suspended as the plane prepares to land.