The boss of the two Navy pilots injured in yesterday's jet crash, has thanked the emergency services for their 'outstanding' response to the 'unfortunate incident'.

Captain Stuart Finn, the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said the 'swift and highly professional' actions of the emergency services following the crash in the St Martin area of Helston was 'much appreciated'.

Two pilots from 736 Naval Air Squadron were forced to eject from their Hawk T1 jet after it appeared to have a mechanical failure. They received minor injuries during the incident and both are in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth under observation.

The jet came down in the St Martin area of Helston at around 9.40am and the two pilots were found around half a mile away along with their ejector seats and parachutes.

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In a statement issued today Captain Finn said: “I’d like to thank all the emergency services for their outstanding response in the unfortunate incident yesterday involving one of our Hawk jets. Their swift actions and the highly professional attitude of all those involved is deeply appreciated.

“As an air station, we have also been heartened by the many messages of support from members of the public for the two pilots. I’d also like to thank the landowners of the site as the military continues its investigation into this incident.”

A multi-agency response was launched this morning after police received reports of an aircraft crash in St Martins near Helston.

Police were called at 9.40am to reports that a Hawk jet had been seen to land in a field. The aircraft was taking part in a training exercise when the incident happened.

The pilots were treated at the scene before being taken by air ambulance to hospital where they remain. Their injuries are not being treated as life-threatening or changing.

Representatives from agencies including coastguard, police, ambulance, fire and Royal Navy attended to contain and secure the scene.

Chief Inspector of Local Policing in East Cornwall, Pete Thomas said: “This continues to be a complex scene which has been managed by emergency services throughout the day. My thanks go to those who responded so rapidly this morning and who have worked together effectively to progress the investigation.

“We would ask the public to continue to keep their distance from the area whilst the investigation continues, and enquiries are carried out.”

Police officers will remained at the scene throughout the day before the investigation was handed over to the Royal Navy.

All Hawk Jets have now been grounded temporarily while there is an investigation. This includes the Red Arrows display team who use this type of aircraft.

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