EMERGENCY services were called to Stansted Airport this morning after two aircraft collided.

A First Choice Airbus 321 clipped a parked Ryanair 737 as it was being pushed back in the airport parking area, known as the apron.

The airport's emergency services and Essex police were alerted, but were soon stood down.

No passengers were on either aircraft and services at the airport have not been affected.

The aircraft suffered some damage and an internal investigation has been launched by First Choice into the accident.

A First Choice spokeswoman said passengers due to board the aircraft, bound for Arrecife, Spain, have had their flight delayed for three and half hours while another aircraft was prepared.

A BAA Stansted Airport spokesman described the incident as "like a small bump in a car park".

"The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has decided that no investigation is needed," he said.