A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field near Oakhampton in Devon with witnesses describing wreckage strewn across the field.
The Royal Navy issued a statement confirming the crash which happened at 04:00 this morning saying “it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time”.
A further statement confirmed three crew members had been killed in the accident a the families of those involved had been informed.
They also confirmed the aircraft, a Merlin MK4 from RNAS Yeovilton, was taking part in an exercise.
The scene of the crash is near Oakhampton Battle camp which is used by Royal Navy helicopters to train for commando roles.
The site is also between two Royal Navy helicopter bases , RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose.
According to the BBC, One witness described how the aircraft appeared to be “mechanically failing” as it passed over his house.