Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon, the Ministry of Defence said.
The helicopter crashed just before 4am today in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
In a post on social media the Ministry of Defence said: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday June 3 near Sourton, Devon.
“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”
Several road closures were put in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area on Wednesday morning.
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning.“An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
The prime minister told MPs on Wednesday that it was a “deeply worrying time” for the families of those involved in the crash.
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