A Malaysia Airlines plane has been forced to make an emergency landing in Melbourne, Australia, after reports of a possible engine fire. 

Flight MH148 was on route for Kuala Lumpur before returning to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport shortly after take-off.

The plane had 300 passengers on-board at the time of the incident.

A statement from the airline confirmed a preliminary inspection revealed no physical evidence of fire externally.

A further assessment of the aircraft is currently underway, with more information expected following its completion.

The statement added: “Safety is of the utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines.”

Malaysia Airlines suffered two major disasters last year.

In March, flight MH370 disappeared with 239 passengers and crew aboard.

While a vast search was launched, the plane was never found.

Four months later, flight MH17 was shot down by a suspected ground-to-air missile while in Ukrainian airspace, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew.

The airline is presently in administration and is preparing for a re-launch later this year.