A military plane crashed in Weston Hills on Wednesday afternoon.
The F-15 fighter jet, from RAF Lakenheath, came down off Broadgate, not far from Weston Hills Primary School at about 3.30pm.
The pilot ejected safely and there were no casualties on the ground.
Plumes of thigh black smoke filled the air and nearby residents were recommended to stay inside and keep windows closed.
Eyewitnesses have been telling The Voice of the dramatic events.
Brian Wallace, of Carisbrooke Way, said: “It came down like a paper aeroplane on its side, hit the ground and burst into flames.
“The next thing I saw was the [parachute] canopy come down and saw the pilot.”
Neighbour Ray Barn
ett said: “There was a lot of noise.
“I looked across the tops of the houses and saw it spiralling down. I shouted out to my wife ‘this plane is going to crash!'”
RAF Lakenheath said: “An F15 from the 439d Fighter Squadron at RAFL crashed at approximately 3.28pm today while conducting a combat training mission.
“One person was on board the aircraft at the time and ejected safely.
“A board of qualified officers will investigate the incident.”
Military helicopters were seen doing searches of the surrounding area afterwards while fire crews doused the wreckage.
