An investigation is underway following the death of a BAE Systems navigator during an air test over Norfolk.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the man left the Tornado aircraft during an "inverted roll" on a routine test flight over Norfolk.

A spokesman said the body of the navigator was found in a field near South Creake yesterday about 45 minutes later. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The aircraft involved in the incident, which was based at RAF Marham, Norfolk, landed safely a short time afterwards.

No other aircraft was involved, a spokesman said.

An MoD statement states: "The RAF would like to offer condolences to the navigator's family and friends at this difficult time.

"No other aircraft were involved in the incident.

"There will be an investigation into the incident and we cannot speculate on the cause until this has reported."

In a statement RAF Marham's Station Commander, Group Captain Osbourne, said: "As you are probably aware, we at Royal Air Force Marham work very closely with British Aerospace Systems in the generation of Tornado aircraft.

"The death of a member of British Aerospace Systems aircrew this afternoon is a sad loss both to the company and to the station.

"Our sincerest condolences go to the family, who are in our thoughts and prayers.

"A Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident will be conevened and the results published in due course.

"Once again on behalf of the Officers and Airmen of Royal Air Force Marham, I would like to express our sorrow for the family."

The dead man has not been named.