Celebrities across the globe have taken to Twitter to express their shock and grief after a Malaysia airline plane carrying 295 passengers crashed in Ukraine near the Russian border.

According to Russian news agency Interfax, the Boeing 777 crashed in Ukraine's restive eastern region, near where government forces are fighting pro-Russian insurgents.

An adviser to Ukraine's Interior Minister claims the plane was shot down.

The crash comes just four months after Malaysia Airlines fight MH370 when missing with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board.

Celebrities are tweeting to express their sadness at the news.