The Red Arrows were forced to abandon their flying display at the Cosford Air Show after a hang-glider and microlight invaded the skies.

An investigation was today under way amid accusations the two “ignorant” pilots had spoiled the day.

More than 53,000 people from across the region flocked to see historic aircraft and five-hour flying displays, with the volume of traffic causing miles of tailbacks around the area.

But there was dismay after the Arrows team was forced to cancel the second half of its show on safety grounds when a hang-glider was spotted heading towards the flying zone, followed shortly afterwards by a microlight.

The planes tried to wait until the area cleared but eventually organisers were then left with no choice but to cancel the finale because the planes were in danger of running out of fuel.

Flight Lieutenant Andy Robbins, Red Arrows team manager, said today the “ignorant” pilots had ruined the day for fans. He said the two people involved “had completely ignored any flight planning of the day”.

Air show spokesman, Flight Lieutenant Steve McGuckin, added: “The incidents during the Red Arrows performance are under investigation by the aviation authorities.”

The display had already been delayed because of dense cloud which covered the Cosford skyline.

Visitor Rob Hess, aged 56, from Perton, said: “It’s a shame the Red Arrows didn’t appear towards the end of the programme when they could have performed under cloudless skies.”

The traffic around Cosford was chaotic with drivers enduring two-hour jams. Mr McGuckin said there was disruption but the traffic plan devised by West Mercia Police worked and there were fewer problems than previous years.