PASSENGERS were evacuated from a plane at Leeds Bradford Airport after smoke was spotted shortly before take off.

The incident affected the BE742 LBA to Belfast City flight which was due to depart at 8pm on Friday, January 10.

A spokeswoman for the airline said: "Flybe can confirm that on starting the number two engine following pushback from the apron and prior to take off, ground staff reported seeing smoke at the rear of the aircraft . The crew immediately took all the necessary precautionary measures and all 52 passengers and four crew safely disembarked the aircraft and were bussed back to the terminal. The airport placed its emergency vehicles on standby."

Passengers were accommodated in a hotel overnight and were able to continue their journey on Saturday.

The spokeswoman said: "Flybe would like to apologise to its passengers for the inconvenience experienced however their safety and that of its crew is the number one priority at all times."