Melania Trump plane forced to land after 'smoke and burning smell' fill cabin

Staff for the first lady say landing was caused by 'mechanical issue'

The first lady was forced to cut short a flight over a 'mechanical issue' (Evan Vucci/AP)

Melania Trump‘s plane has been forced to return to Washington, after a “haze of smoke” filled the cabin.

According to the media pool travelling with the first lady, a smell of burning and a thin layer of smoke filled the cabin about 10 minutes after take-off.

"A small amount of smoke could be seen inside the plane and the interior filled with a burning smell," a pool report said.

Reporters were brought wet towels and told to hold them over their faces if the smell became too strong.

The plane landed safely after what has been labelled a "mechanical issue".

By 10am reporters said they were boarding a second aircraft

The first lady's is on her way to Philadelphia - where she is due to visit a hospital.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Ms Trump, told CNN the incident was a “minor mechanical issue. Everything is fine and everyone is safe.”