Laceby: New air ambulance stranded in Grimsby field after fault

The helicopter is undergoing tests to work out what went wrong

The new Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance has been left stranded after a fault prevented pilots taking off.

The aircraft was responding to a 999 call when it developed the issue at Laceby, near Grimsby, on Sunday.

The unorthodox parking caused "quite a stir", the charity said, with the six-week-old vehicle out of action while tests are carried out.

A back-up helicopter is being sought to help continue life-saving work, the charity added.

Chief pilot Llewis Ingamells said it was hoped the aircraft would return home by the end of the week.

• More stories from across Lincolnshire

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance was landed safely by the pilot on Sunday

He said tests were under way on the AgustaWestland AW169 to resolve the issue.

Mr Ingamells added: "We know that the aircraft being there has caused quite a stir and we've been overwhelmed by the support we've had from people in the area and further afield, along with our colleagues in other emergency services.

"It's obviously a situation we didn't expect but faults do sometimes happen, just like they can do with cars or anything mechanical."

Crews will continue to provide care using road transport while the replacement helicopter is brought in, the charity said.