Three dead after Royal Navy helicopter crashes into UK field

BREAKING

Emergency services swarmed this morning to the scene of a helicopter crash this morning which caused several roads to be closed.

Devon and Cornwall Police said multiple crews are in the area after the helicopter went down at a field in Sourton Down, near Okehampton.

The helicopter crashed into a field near the A30 road and crews remain in the area, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

“Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area”, the force said.

“The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them.”

The accident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning, at around 4:30am.

It has now been confirmed that three Royal Navy personnel have been killed in the crash.

"It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise just before 04:00 on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon," the navy said.

In a statement on X, the Royal Navy said: "We are incredibly sad to report that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Sourton Devon in the early hours if Wednesday, 3 June.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

"All three families have been informed and are receiving specialist support from the Royal Navy."