A Colombian Air Force plane has crashed in the south of the country, near the border with Peru, officials say.

The plane, a Hercules used for transporting troops, came down near the town of Puerto Leguízamo, in Putumayo province.

It is not yet clear how many people were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident, but local media are speaking of scores of passengers.

Rescue workers have been dispatched to the area.

Colombia's defence minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the plane had suffered "a tragic accident while it was taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, transporting troops of our security forces".

He did not say if there had been any casualties but described the incident as "deeply sad for the country".

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