Plane turns back after bird strike

A bird strike has forced a Qantas flight from Perth to Melbourne to turn back soon after take off this evening.

A Qantas spokeswoman said the A330 aircraft which took off about 6.20pm returned to Perth Domestic Airport safety after 14 minutes in the air.

The spokeswoman said the bird strike appeared to have affected engine two of the A330's four engines.

The plane will now be inspected by engineers in Perth to assess the degree of damage.

It is understood passengers reported hearing a loud bang and flames shortly after taking off.