Emergency services are currently responding to a crash involving a Royal Navy helicopter in Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident happened in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, with reports of the crash first coming in at around 4:30am on Wednesday morning.
The crash happened just before 4am and an investigation is currently underway, a Royal Navy spokesperson said.
Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.
The number and condition of people in the helicopter is currently unknown.
open image in galleryA force spokesperson confirmed the helicopter that crashed into a field in Devon was Royal Navy. “The Ministry of Defence have confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter”, they shared.
An initial statement from Devon and Cornwall Police reads: “Emergency services are at the scene after a crash involving a helicopter in a field at Sourton Down.
“Several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area.
“The incident is ongoing and we will share more updates as we have them.”
Devon and Cornwall Police has advised drivers to seek alternative routes around the road closures. Travel monitoring services are reporting that traffic is “coping well” despite the road closures.
Inrix shared in a traffic bulletin: “A386 Bowerland Road Northbound closed due to police incident from A30 (Sourton Cross, Sourton Down) to A3079 Holsworthy Road (Fowley Cross). Traffic is coping well.”
The Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View said he was monitoring the situation.
Fred Thomas wrote on X: “I am aware of reports that a Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field in at Sourton Cross. I understand several road closures are in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip, whilst emergency services respond to the incident.
“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.”
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “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.”