Leicester helicopter crash: Flowers and scarves left at King Power stadium as fans react in shock

Club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his daughter were on board, according to reports

Leicester City fans have reacted with shock after the owner’s helicopter crashed outside the stadium after the West Ham match.

Flowers and scarves are being laid in tribute near the site of the accident alongside a large image of the Hindu god Ganesh.

Matt Davis, vice chair of the Foxes Trust supporters organisation, told The Independent that the news as a “nightmare” but said it was too early to say how the accident would effect the football club.

“We don’t know the fatalities, we don’t know the details, but I’m sure they will have a plan B, they will have contingency plans in place,” he said.

“At the moment it’s just numbness. I woke up this morning and I thought was that just a nightmare. It just felt like a bad dream," he said. “The game just paled into insignificance. I would normally see the helicopter take off as I’m getting in my car going back from the ground. This time I didn’t.

“I got home and turned in to see the match reports and saw social media and everywhere was engulfed with this tragic news.”

It has not yet been confirmed whether anyone died in the crash although it has been reported that Leicester City club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his daughter were among five people on board the helicopter at the time.

Messages from Leicester fans among the bouquets outside the King Power Stadium included “In our thoughts!!”, “Thinking of you all” and “Thank you xx”.

Flowers left at the King Power alongside an image of the Hindu god Ganesh (Sean O'Grady) (Sean O'Grady)

​Jim Tyrell said: “It’s an awful thing. I live nearby and often see it go in and out. It’s a big helicopter and you’d think it would be maintained to a high standard. Something tragic has happened.

“They were fantastic owners. When they took over the club was heavily indebted. Within three or four seasons they’d paid the debt off. They were dedicated to the club. It’s a family business and they took thus as part of their family. It’s a deep tragedy.”

Another fan, who gave his name only as Sohail, said: “Everyone’s affected because of how much the owners have done, so a lot of importance for the team and the city itself. Very saddening. The family members were always so open hearted”

The crash is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, assisted by Leicestershire Police.

Witnesses said the helicopter seemed to spiral out of control moments after it set off from the stadium at about 8.30pm on Saturday and plummeted into the car park.

There were reports of trouble involving fans close to the ground and drones are sometimes used by the police and club to monitor supporters from the air.

Peter Stubley contributed to this report