Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The incident happened just before 4am this morning at Sourton Down, near Okehampton.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the crash happened during a helicopter training exercise.
In a statement, the head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning.
“An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
Eddie Amhof saw the incident from his window after hearing a helicopter hovering over his house this morning.
Eddie Amhof, who lives locally, said he was already awake when he heard the helicopter hovering over his house at around 3am.
“I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise,” he said.
“By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half a mile,” he added.
“And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines was gone. And I thought, that wasn’t long enough for him to disappear out of ear-sight.
The site of the crash at Sourton Down near Okehampton. Credit: PA Images
“At the same time as the engines went, there was an almighty flash of red which lit up the sky.
“About five to six minutes after that there was a big bang, an explosion.”
Images from the scene suggest the aircraft is a Merlin helicopter, which usually has a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions today, Sir Keir Starmer said it is a “deeply worrying time” for the families of those involved in the crash.
Adding later in a statement, he said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear that three members of the Royal Navy have died following a helicopter crash this morning in Devon.”My thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones at this time.”Thank you to all the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.”
Road closures were in place in the Sourton Down area for much of the day as investigations were carried out.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel overnight.
“They served with excellence and will be much missed.
“All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time.”
The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
It lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
In a post on social media the Ministry of Defence said:
“It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday June 3 near Sourton, Devon.
“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”