ORGANISERS of the Bournemouth Air Festival have said it is a “huge relief” that the crew involved in a plane crash at Sandbanks this afternoon were recovered from the water “safe and well”.

Flying was suspended following the incident involving the wingwalker biplane following its display on the third day of the festival.

The plane crashed into the water at Poole Harbour and is yet to be recovered.

Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.

In a statement issued just after 7pm on Saturday, Bournemouth Air Festival said: “Following the incident earlier today, the site of the crash has been secured and will remain so overnight. Members of the public are requested to avoid the area.

“The aircraft will be recovered in due course, subject to tides and harbour traffic.

“We would like to thank the RNLI, Coastguard, South West Ambulance, Dorset Police, Poole Harbour Commissioners and all those who took part in the rescue of the two people aboard the aircraft.

“It is a huge relief for all those involved in the Air Festival that the incident has resulted in the display crew being removed from the water safe and well.

“We would also like to thank members of the public for bearing with us all and continuing to make the most of the fabulous ground programme that continued at the Air Festival this afternoon and into the evening.

“We expect a good programme of flying to take place tomorrow (Sunday 5th September).”