Felixstowe Coastguard are on standby to help in the search for a US fighter plane that went down into the North Sea.

It was not immediately apparent if the pilot had managed to eject to safety before crashing into the sea off Flamborough Head, off the Set Yorkshire coast..

A statement from RAF Lakenheath confirmed: "A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle crashed at approximately 0940 today in the North Sea.

"The aircraft was from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.

"At the time of the accident, the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board. The cause of the crash as well as the status of the pilot are unknown at this time, and U.K.

"Search and Rescue have been called to support."