‘This will be a deeply worrying time for the families’ PM Keir Starmer says as Royal Navy helicopter crashes into a field

A Royal Navy helicopter crashed today, June 3, into a field in rural Devon in the UK. 

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The emergency services were alerted to a crash involving a helicopter in Sourton Down outside Okehampton. 

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed it belongs to the Royal Navy. 

The scene has been sealed off. 
 

A Royal Navy spokesperson told Metro: “An incident occurred involving a Royal Navy helicopter just before 0400 on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon. 

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

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented on the crash during Prime Minister’s Questions today, saying 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. 

Devon and Cornwall Police 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.” 

The number and condition of any casualties are not yet publicly known. 

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a low-flying aircraft before several loud explosions shortly after 3am, followed by a search helicopter hovering in the area. 

One local said 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.” 

Another person said: “Thought there was a loud bang at 3 this morning.” 

The roads have been closed since about 5am.