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At least five police officers have been killed after a small plane crashed into the sea in Thailand.
The small police plane was on a test flight to prepare for parachute training when it crashed at around 8am local time near Hua Hin Airport.
The plane crashed into the sea about 100metres (330ft) off shore and the wreck appears to have broken in two.
There were six police officers on board the plane when it crashed, Royal Thai Police said.
Five died at the scene while the sixth was taken to hospital where they remain in critical condition – a correction to earlier reports which suggested the sixth person had died in hospital.
Archayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the police, said the cause of the crash is yet to be determined.
Police officials at the scene (Picture: AP/Royal Thai Police)
He added officials are gathering evidence, including data from the plane’s black box.
National Police Chief Police General Kitrat Phanphet said: ‘The families of the victims will be closely supported and funeral arrangements will be made for them.
‘I have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash.’
The plane crashed off a popular beach in Hua Hin, around 125miles south of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
Horrific footage captured the moment the plane nosedived into the water.
Guests at the nearby Baby Grand Hua Hin Hotel watched in horror as the plane hit the water.
Locals including passing fishermen rushed to the wreckage to look for survivors.
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