Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon field

A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in what Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has described as a "deeply worrying time for the families" involved.

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said a major incident was declared after emergency services were called to the scene in Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon, at about 03:45 BST.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said an investigation was under way, adding "it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time".

Speaking in the House of Commons Sir Keir said more details would be released in due course.

Military helicopters often train in the area around north Dartmoor, which lies between the Royal Navy's air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.

The scene of the crash is also 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 A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross in Okehampton was closed at about 04:30.

Police have advised motorists to avoid the area and to use alternative routes.

Staff at Sourton Cross Service Station, which is located near the scene, said the services were currently inaccessible.

At the scene, BBC reporter Richard Green said he had spoken to witnesses who said they heard noises which sounded like "troubled mechanics" as a helicopter flew over.

He said the scene was "devastating" with wreckage visible in a field.

"A witness I spoke to described it as sounding not right as it flew over his house and it almost took the roof of his house off," he said on BBC Radio Devon.

"He said it sounded like it was clearly in trouble and it sounded like it was mechanically failing."

He added: "This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible."