Three-times world snooker champion Mark Selby has offered his prayers to his favourite football club Leicester City following a major helicopter crash in the city last night.

The crash was reported just after 8.30pm on Saturday outside Leicester City’s King Power Stadium which had just hosted the club’s 1-1 Premier League draw against West Ham United in front of the TV cameras.

It is widely reported that the helicopter which crashed, after taking off from the stadium, is owned by Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

The Leicester Mercury reports the aircraft spun out of control shortly after lifting off at about 8.30pm, and plummeted into a club car park.

Shocking footage shows roaring flames billowing out just yards away from the stadium with police and emergency services in attendance.

No confirmation has yet been released as to who was on board the helicopter at the time or of any medical conditions to those who may have been involved.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos

Selby, a life-long Leicester City fan who is widely connected to the club following his major successes in snooker, tweeted: “Thoughts are with everyone @LCFC such a terrible tragedy. Absolutely heartbreaking I pray and hope.”

Leicester fan Selby in fact won the 2016 World Championship on the same night it was confirmed the Foxes – the club’s nickname – were crowned Premier League champions. He was then given a Leicester City flag to show off his support for the team while being crowned world snooker champion for a second time.

Former snooker player and TV commentator Willie Thorne, who hails from Leicester, also took to Twitter to share his condolences. He said: “What a horrific day for football yesterday all Leicester fans are in a daze the Thai owners have done wonders for our club very very sad.”

The Leicester Mercury is providing live updates and reaction to the incident here.

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