12pm update: Here’s all that’s known about the Leicester helicopter crash and owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

TRAGEDY unfolded at the Leicester City stadium last night after a helicopter belonging to the club's owner crashed down in a nearby car park.

Here's all that is known about the Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and the helicopter crash.

What happened in the crash?

The eight-seater helicopter, which belonged to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, took off at around 8.45pm from the King Power Stadium pitch.

Leicester had just played West Ham in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League. The 5.30pm kick-off finished at around 7.30pm.

Eye-witnesses said the AW169 helicopter spiralled out of control in the air with an apparent problem with the tail fin.

Just seconds later, the aircraft nosedived in a ball of flames less than 200 yards away in a car park.

Images taken at the scene show the helicopter engulfed in flames as fans leaving the ground watched on in horror.

While it is unclear who was in the helicopter, a source close to the chairman's family told the BBC that the billionaire club owner was inside.

According to Reuters, Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people on board, as well as his daughter, two pilots and a fifth person whose identity was not immediately known.

Srivaddhanaprabha is well-known for leaving the stadium by his helicopter, which lands in the centre circle on the pitch, after every Leicester home game.

BT Sport pundit Jake Humphrey pointed to the aircraft from the studio during a live broadcast at the stadium and said: “As you can see the owners are now heading off.”

A loud explosion could be heard on post-match analysis showing Premier League tonight just moments later.

The crash was then confirmed by the host live on air and the programme brought to an early end as the crew was evacuated from the stadium.

Leicester City players took to Twitter on Saturday evening and Sunday to express their reaction to the crash.

Who is Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha?

Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is the founder of King Power Duty Free and is worth around £2bn.

He bought Leicester City Football Club in August 2010 and invested millions into the club.

The club won promotion to the Premier League under his ownership in 2014 and then, incredibly won the Premier League title in 2016.

The achievement is seen as one of the greatest in footballing history.

One fan told Sky News the owner and his family have done so much for the club. He said: "They have conducted themselves so well, they have put everything into us. They have made us champions. You cannot ask for more from your owners."

Leicester stars and England internationals Harry Maguire and James Maddison were among those to share tweets showing their prayers are with those on board with a series of emojis.

What have witnesses said?

The wife of England and Leicester City legend Peter Shilton was among the eye-witnesses who saw the horror unfold.

Stephanie Shilton, 50, said: "It happened straight in front of us as we were leaving the ground. It's horrendous."

Leo Bruka, 27, who lives near the stadium, told The Telegraph he was driving home from work when he saw the helicopter falling.

He said: "I saw the helicopter coming down, it was spinning very quickly."

One man, who wished not to be named, but has had a season ticket for over 40 years, said: "I saw Kasper Schmeichel run out first and then loads of security guards and stewards.

"I was stood outside the ground but it crashed on the other side. I hope everyone is OK."

One witness told Sky News: "I hope they're okay. Doesn't seem like they have had much of a chance. Just burst into flames."

What did the police and fire service say?

In a statement last night, a Leicestershire Police spokesman said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident at the King Power Stadium, in Leicester, after an aircraft came down in a car park behind the ground.

"Officers are working alongside the ambulance service, Leicester Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Accident Investigation Branch and Leicester City Football Club to establish the exact circumstances of the collision."

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust tweeted: "We are also in attendance and will update when possible."

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.