Three Royal Navy personnel killed in Devon helicopter crash

Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon, the Ministry of Defence said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident happened in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, on Wednesday.

Images have emerged of the scene showing how the front of the aircraft, which appeared to be a Merlin helicopter, had been destroyed in the incident, which happened just before 4am.

Merlin helicopters usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

A witness told ITV News he heard engines cut out before seeing an “almighty flash of red” when the helicopter crashed.

Eddie Amhof told the broadcaster: “I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise.

“By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half-a-mile.

“And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines was gone.”

The local resident added: “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.”

Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.

The area lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.

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.

The Merlin helicopter is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare.

The aircraft can also be used for search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol, according to the Royal Navy’s website.

Sir Keir Starmer told MPs he was aware of the crash and more information about the incident would be “set out as soon as possible”