Police said, as a precaution, officers have evacuated the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club due to its proximity to the incident. An eyewitnesses from Westcliff Rugby Club said a presentation event was happening at the time of the incident. Matt Dent, Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said on X: "I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. "At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident."