Guwahati, July 14 -- A small plane crashed shortly after taking off from London's Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, prompting Essex Police to declare the event a "serious incident."

Emergency responders from Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service arrived swiftly after receiving reports of the crash involving a 12-metre aircraft just before 4 pm.

Officials believe the aircraft was a Beech B200 Super King Air, though they have yet to officially confirm the model.

Police are coordinating closely with other emergency services at the scene, anticipating that the response will continue for several hours. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work safely.

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