US President Donald Trump’s helicopter makes emergency landing during UK state visit

US President Donald Trump’s helicopter has been forced into an emergency landing in the UK while carrying the US President and First Lady Melania Trump.

The presidential helicopter encountered a “hydraulic issue” during its flight to Stansted Airport from the Prime Minister’s country residence at Chequers, where Mr Trump had met with Sir Keir Starmer for a joint press conference.

Officials stated the aircraft landed at Luton Airport “out of an abundance of caution.”

The US President, who is in the UK for a historic second state visit, switched to a “support helicopter” flying in formation and continued on to join Air Force One at Stansted.

No injuries were reported, and the President arrived at the airport 20 minutes later than planned.

Following the incident, the couple boarded Air Force One for their return to the White House.

Emergency responders and armed police were on the tarmac at Luton Airport, with Marine One and Marine Two helicopters near the runway.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented: “Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport.”

She added: “The President and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter. The President and first lady were later able to board Air Force One for the return journey from the UK.”

Throughout the visit, Mr Trump has frequently used Marine One to travel between sites.

The trip has highlighted the “special relationship” celebrated by King Charles III and the US President.