Three members of the Royal Navy have died after a helicopter crashed into a field in Devon early on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred around 4am on Wednesday at Sourton Down, near Okehampton.
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.”
They added that the families of the service personnel had been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.
Sir Keir Starmer told MPs during Prime Minister's Questions that the crash was "deeply worrying".
Images from the scene show the front of the aircraft, which appears to be a Merlin helicopter, had been destroyed in the incident.
We’ll bring you the latest updates below...
Live updates
Photos emerge of crash site
Images have emerged of the scene of the helicopter crash, showing how the front of the aircraft had been destroyed in the incident.
Merlin helicopters usually have a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
Starmer comments on helicopter crash
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has updated MPs on the Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, he said he was “aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon”.
“This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible,” he said.
Sources claim downed helicopter is a Merlin
The type of helicopter involved in the morning’s crash has not been named, but sources have claimed that it was a Merlin.
The Merlin has has a good safety record, but in 2024 a Merlin Mk4 ditched while operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth off Dorset in September 2024, with the loss of the pilot.
Crash scene close to military facility
This morning’s crash scene 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.
There has not yet been confirmation regarding the cause of the crash, nor if there were any casualties.
Emergency services remain on site, while a number of roads in the area are still closed.
Two Royal Navy air stations close to crash site
Two Royal Navy air stations are located relatively close to the crash site.
RNAS Culdrose, one of Europe's largest helicopter bases, is located near Helston in Cornwall, while RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset houses more than 100 aircraft.
No details have been released regarding where the helicopter departed from, nor it’s destination.
Labour MP monitoring situation
Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View Fred Thomas has posted on X following this morning’s helicopter crash.
Mr Thomas wrote: “I am aware of reports of a Royal Navy helicopter incident.
“I understand several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip, whilst emergency services respond.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage until the MOD release a statement, but I am monitoring the situation and will update back here.”
Royal Navy investigation underway
A Royal Navy spokesman has confirmed that an investigation is under way, following a Royal Navy helicopter crash at just before 4am today in Devon.
Roads closed until the afternoon
National Highways traffic updates website says that the road closure of the A386, between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross in Okehampton, is expected to be in place until 12.15pm
Staff at Sourton Cross Service Station, located near the scene, have reportedly said that the services were currently inaccessible.
Cause of crash still unknown
The cause of this morning’s helicopter crash remains unknown at the moment, with emergency services remaining at the scene.
It is also unclear how many passengers were on board, or if anyone was injured.
The helicopter is believed to have crashed in the early hours of this morning, with locals reporting a "loud bang" in the area shortly after 3am.
One resident posted on social media: "Heard a helicopter very low around us at 03.30 this morning, looked out, no lights but sound going towards Okehampton! Hope all ok."
Devon and Cornwall Police release statement
Devon and Cornwall Police have released a statement following this morning’s helicopter crash.
A spokesperson said: “The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them.
“The Ministry of Defence have confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter.”
Several road closures are now in place in the area, including the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.