Two dead in mid-air accident

Two people have been killed in an accident involving a helicopter and a microlight today.

The two aircraft crashlanded in separate fields near the A1M in Hertfordshire just before 1pm. Two people survived the crashes with minor injuries, police said.

All four were on board the two aircraft. No one was hurt on the ground.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident, and police believe the craft collided in mid-air.

Claire Ling, of Hertfordshire Police, said: "We are trying to confirm exact details."

The helicopter landed in a field opposite St Thomas Moore church in Station Road, Brookmans Park.

The microlight came down about half a mile away in woods near Dixons Hill Road at Welham Green. Wreckage was scattered across the ground.

Police, paramedics and fire crews raced to the scene and cordoned off Dixons Hill Road, Swanland Road and Station Road.

Gary Sanderson from Bedford and Herts Ambulance Service said: "There are numerous road blocks and lots of emergency services vehicles parked up on the roads, and scenesofcrime tape.

"There are lots of traffic problems and there will be for some time as the roads will be sealed off for hours."

The Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified of the incident.

Police are encouraging motorists to avoid the area.