A PASSENGER plane was spotted flying low over Runcorn this morning, Wednesday, after being diverted en route.

Ryanair flight FR2131 was on its way from Manchester Airport to Lanzarote when the plane struck birds.

The plane was just over 10 minutes into its journey when the incident occurred, having taken off at 7.54am, and was flying at 3,625ft over Wrexham.

It then turned back over Chester, circled over St Helens and Wigan, flew over Warrington and Runcorn at 1,600ft before landing in Liverpool at 8.52am.

No passengers or crew were injured and they were able to continue their journey on a different aircraft.

A spokesman for Ryanair said: “This flight from Manchester to Lanzarote (October 13) diverted to Liverpool Airport following a minor bird strike.

“The aircraft landed normally and customers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which departed to Lanzarote following a short delay of approximately one hour.

“Ryanair sincerely apologised to all affected customers.”

A spokesman for Liverpool Airport added: “I can confirm that a Ryanair flight that took off from Manchester Airport bound for Arrecife (Lanzarote) requested to land here at Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 08.45am this morning.

“It landed safely and without incident at 08.53am.

“Passengers have subsequently been transferred to another Ryanair aircraft to continue their journey to Lanzarote.”