A HARRIER jet pilot has been taken to hospital after his plane crashed in farmland.

A HARRIER jet pilot has been taken to hospital after his plane crashed in farmland.

The crash happened in an area near Ashwell in Leicestershire at around 1.47pm, prompting a range of emergency services to respond to the scene.

The pilot, from nearby RAF Cottesmore, ejected before the crash. He was found alive and conscious.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “The pilot, from the Royal Navy, ejected prior to the crash and has been taken to hospital by air ambulance and next of kin have been informed.

“It is understood that his injuries are not life-threatening and there are no reports of casualties on the ground.”

It is not yet known what caused the crash, which will now be investigated.