Shropshire search for 'crashed microlight' called off after nothing found
[gallery] A major search was launched by the emergency services in Shropshire this afternoon after a call reporting a microlight aircraft had crashed in flames.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out at 11.13am to reports of a crash in the Kinlet area, near Cleobury Mortimer.
Search teams cover 4,000 square metres of ground in the area, with the police helicopter covering a wider area.
The search teams were stood down after almost four hours when no sign of a crashed aircraft was found.
West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Murray MacGregor said: "Ambulance, police, fire and Severn Area Rescue Association staff have been out in large numbers after a report of a microlight aircraft going down in flames into wooded area on the Shropshire/Worcestershire border.
"The initial information suggested that it was close to Moffats School at Kinlet Hall at around 11.15am.
"West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, three paramedic officers, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the area to search.
"Despite an extensive search along the B4363, nothing was found and the official 'stand down' order was given shortly after 3pm.
"Based on the initial information, it was important that a full search of the area was completed."
Inspector Mark Riley of West Mercia Police, said: "We received a call from a concerned member of the public that they believed they had seen a microlight coming down in the area.
"We have to act on reports such as these in case there is somebody in distress."
Six fire appliances including the Incident Support Unit and the Rescue Tender were mobilised from Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer and Wellington.
