Royal Navy helicopter crash investigations continue

Investigations are continuing into a helicopter crash in which three Royal Navy personnel died during a training exercise.

Accident investigators and emergency services remain at the scene in a field in Sourton near Okehampton, Devon, following the incident which happened at about 03:45 BST on Wednesday.

Wreckage from the Merlin Mk4, which are known to be based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset, is visible in the field where the crash took place.

Floodlights were erected at the site to allow investigation teams to carry on their work overnight as tributes continue to be paid to the three crew members, whose identities have not yet been confirmed.

Tributes have come from the Princess of Wales in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, head of the navy General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Floral tributes have also been left at the incident command station set up by investigators.

One of the tributes included a note which said: "Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.

"Thank you for your service."

The Civil Aviation Authority said the incident would be investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

Several tributes were made in the comments section of a Facebook post from RNAS Yeovilton sharing a statement from the navy.

A comment from Yeovilton Military Wives Choir said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of those who sadly lost their lives. May they RIP."

Clive Saunders, who said he was posting on behalf of the RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose Facebook Spotters Group, said: "I would like to extend our most sincere condolences at the loss of the three Merlin aircrew.

"All of our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this incredibly sad time.

"We also very humbly thank them for their selfless and dedicated service and know they will never be forgotten."

Tim Ripley, editor of Defence Eye, said the principal role of Merlin Mk4s was to carry Royal Marines into battle, describing the aircraft as a "go anywhere helicopter".

He said Merlins were first used by the Royal Air Force in 2001 before being transferred to the marines a decade ago.

Ripley added the helicopter had three engines, which while unusual meant it had more speed and better manoeuvrability when flying around battlefields at low level.

"Flying military helicopters at night, even on home turf, is inherently dangerous," Ripley said.

"There is a risk that comes with this type of flying helicopters at night and at low level.

"It's a dangerous activity wherever you do it, let alone in a foreign battlefield."

Eddie Amhof, who lives near the site, said he could see and hear the helicopter hovering about his home moments before the crash occurred.

"I looked outside and it was right on top of the houses and had the feeling it was coming down on us," he said.

Amhof added after the helicopter went away towards the field, an "almighty flash of red lit up the sky" appeared before an explosion several minutes later.

The 81-year-old said it was "very sad" and "terrible" to hear the crew on board had died.

He said the incident would be something that stuck with him for a while.

"I just keep thinking about the loud noise over the property and the terrific flash of red, it just keeps springing back into your mind," Amhof said.

"We're in an area where very little happens really apart from car smashes, but nothing disastrous like that.

"Normally round here it's like Last of the Summer Wine."

Vicar of Okehampton the Reverend Claire Reynolds said the town had been left "shocked and saddened" by the incident.

She said St James' Chapel in the town centre would be open during the day for prayer.

"We give thanks for the amazing emergency services, for all the help they have given and for those involved at the scene," Reynolds said.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, who has two children serving in the armed forces, said he was very sorry to hear about the "tragic accident".

Harrison added: "The Royal Navy's presence and activity is deeply entwined with the life of this county of Devon and we grieve with the families and friends for the loss of these three lives."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.