Emergency services near to crash scene of the Royal Navy helicopter(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

First photos from 'deeply worrying' Royal Navy helicopter crash

by · DevonLive

These are the first photos from the scene of a "deeply worrying" helicopter crash near Okehampton in Devon.

The Royal Navy aircraft crashed in a field at Sourton Down just before 4am on Wednesday, June 3, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

At the time of writing, authorities have not confirmed injury reports.

Emergency services remain at the scene into Wednesday afternoon, including the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue team and Ministry of Defence staff.

Road closures were in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

A photo taken of the scene shows part of the military helicopter visible from behind a hedge at Sourton Down.

The scene of the crash 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.

Officials have also not confirmed the type of helicopter involved, only that is was part of the Royal Navy.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “An incident occurred involving a Royal Navy helicopter just before 4am on Wednesday, June 3 near Sourton, Devon.

"An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

A helicopter crashed in a field in Sourton Down, Devon(Image: FPS Images)
The A30 is closed near Okehampton in Devon after a Royal Navy helicopter crashed in a nearby field(Image: DevonLive)
The A30 is closed near Okehampton in Devon after a Royal Navy helicopter crashed in a nearby field(Image: DevonLive)