RAF Tornado forced into Prestwick landing by bird

AN RAF Tornado has made an emergency landing at Prestwick airport in Ayrshire after hitting a bird.

An RAF Tornado takes off from RAF Marham. An aircraft from the base was forced to land at Prestwick. Picture: PA

Airport officials said the pilot declared a Mayday at 10:36pm last night following the bird strike.

Emergency services, including the airport fire service, were called out.

The Ministry of Defence said the aircraft was a Tornado GR4 with two crew on board, on a routine training mission from RAF Marham in Norfolk.

A spokesman said the plane was awaiting inspection at Prestwick to assess any damage and what repairs were required.

He described bird strikes as “pretty unusual”.