AIR accident investigators have launched inquiries after a microlight crashed in Cumbria. 

Firefighters from Patterdale, Appleby, Shap, and Penrith were called to Bedland Gate, Newby, south-east of Penrith, after a microlight aircraft had to do an 'emergency forced landing' onto a field on Saturday morning.

A Cumbria Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the crews "administered first aid before handing the casualty over to the care of the Ambulance Service".

The casualty was taken to hospital by air ambulance, and fire crews remained at the incident standing by keeping the area and scene safe, due to leaking aviation fuel.

Crews used one main branch, one foam jet, and two fire extinguishers.

They were at the scene for approximately two and a half hours.

The Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) has dispatched a team to establish the cause of a microlight aircraft crash near Newby, south-east of Penrith.

The AAIB, an arm of the Government's Department for Transport, is tasked with establishing the official cause of air accidents.