The small plane burst into flames after it came down in a hedge while returning to Bournemouth Airport.

Two of the casualties - all from Guernsey - were airlifted to Salisbury Hospital's burns unit where they are being treated in intensive care.

It is thought the plane got into trouble shortly after take off and was returning to land when it crashed.

It hit the road and a fence, and there was a fire Russell Lucas-Rowe

The plane came down south west of the airport, near the Alice in Wonderland theme park.

The park's manager, Russell Lucas-Rowe, said members of staff heard the plane come down.

"It definitely came down from the direction of West Parley, trying to get back to the centre of the airport," he said.

"It looked like it had got into trouble, turned round and there wasn't enough room to turn around and get back into the airport and it crashed."

"It hit the road and a fence, and there was a fire," he said.

"The airport emergency services were literally there in seconds and put the fire out very quickly.

"Then the helicopter and ambulances arrived and took them to hospital."

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.