Search operation finds no trace of 'crashed aircraft'

Rescue services in Co Kerry have called off their search for a light aircraft which was apparently seen crashing into mountains near Dingle last night.

A major search and rescue operation involving gardaí, mountain rescue teams and the Shannon helicopter was mounted after two eyewitnesses reported seeing an aircraft in difficulty north of the village of Lispole at around 7pm.

However, the Irish Aviation Authority said no distress calls were received from any aircraft in the area.

The search has now been called off, after rescuers found no trace of any crash.

The rescue services believe whatever the witnesses saw was not a plane.