A pilot has died in a horrific plane crash at a festival organised by TV star Chris Evans.
The plane came down at around 2pm this afternoon in the middle of an air display at CarFest in Oulton Park, Cheshire.
Hundreds of stunned people looked on in shock as the plane nose-dived while performing.
Just moments after the crash, thick black smoke was seen billowing into the air as frantic emergency workers raced to the scene.
The pilot, Kevin Whyman, was later named as the victim of the horror crash.
News of the death was released by Evans who was forcing back tears as he delivered the devastating update.
His voice frequently breaking and a look of strain on his face, he paused to compose himself throughout his statement.
He said: “Part of what we do here over the three day event are air displays.
“Just after 2pm, there was a tragic accident - the result of which was one of the pilots involved in a synchro display lost his life.
“Our condolences go out to his family who have been informed.
“The event will continue on the advice of the aviation authorities we are currently involved with as part of the on-going investigation into what happened and the police have also advised us that the best thing and the safest thing to do is to carry on with the event bearing in mind there are 10,000 children here, and that’s what we are going to do and that’s where we are up to.
“There will be another statement tomorrow when we know more.”
The star said it would be be “completely inappropriate” to speculate on how the accident happened and said he would give a tribute to the pilot at a later point.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) later confirmed investigators would be sent in.
A spokesman said: “AAIB will be investigating and is sending a team to the site.”
He said: "Today at just after 2pm there was a tragic accident, the result of which one of the pilots involved in a synco-display lost his life.
"Our condolences go out to his family.
"The event will continue on the advice of the three aviation authorities we are currently involved with."
Onlooker Johnathan Randall tweeted: "Think I've just witnessed a plane crash? Crowd looks glum, confused, concerned. Everyone on their phones."
Emma McEvoy added on Twitter: "OMG plane crashed right in front of our eyes at Carfest hope the pilot ejected!! Whole crowd went silent!"
Evans is a car enthusiast who has just become the new presenter of Top Gear.
He is taking over from Jeremy Clarkson whose contract was not renewed after he punched a member of the show's staff during a fracas. Former Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May have now also teamed up with Clarkson for a motoring show on Amazon.
The plane thought to be involved in the incident is part of the Gnat Display Team.
They are based at North Weald Airfield, and part of the Heritage Aircraft Trust. The display team is made up of Folland Gant aircraft, which is a British swept wing subsonic jet trainer and light fighter.
The Gnat Display Team, based at North Weald Airfield, is part of The Heritage Aircraft Trust.It was never used as a fighter by the RAF, but was heavily used as a trainer.
The aircraft first flew in 1955. It was used as part of the Red Arrow aerobatic display team until 1979, when it was replaced by the Hawk T1.
Cheshire Police released a statement and said the plane crashed in a wooded area near Oulton Park.
The statement said: "Shortly before 2pm today Cheshire Police received reports of a plane having crashed in a wooded area near to the Car Fest event at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
"The plane was performing at the event at the time of the incident.
"Emergency services are currently at the scene and road closures are in place in the area.
"Sadly, the pilot of the plane has died at the scene.
"There are no reports of any other injuries.
"Officers are currently liaising with all those involved to try and establish the circumstances of what has happened."