A major emergency operation is underway in Devon after a helicopter came down in a field close to the town of Okehampton in the early hours of the morning.
Police officers and other emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a crash in the Sourton Down area.
The incident has triggered an ongoing investigation, with authorities yet to confirm key details about those on board or the circumstances surrounding the impact.
Residents report loud blast and low-flying aircraft before crash
People living nearby described being startled by a loud explosion shortly after 3.15am, with some reporting unusual helicopter activity in the area shortly before the incident.
One resident said they heard a helicopter flying unusually low over the surroundings earlier in the night, while others were awakened by what they described as a sudden, sharp blast echoing across the rural landscape.
Police cordons and widespread road closures in place
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that several roads around the crash site remain closed as emergency teams secure the area and carry out initial assessments.
Closures are affecting key routes including sections of the A386 and the A30 near the Sourton Cross slip road and service area.
Traffic monitoring services have indicated that restrictions could remain in place until late morning as investigations continue.
Officials have described the situation as ongoing, urging the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.
Ministry of Defence confirms Royal Navy aircraft involvement
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the aircraft involved in the crash was a Royal Navy helicopter, marking a significant development in the investigation.
However, details remain limited, including how many people were aboard and whether there were any injuries or fatalities.
Authorities have not yet released further information pending formal assessment and notification procedures.
Investigation continues amid unanswered questions
The cause of the crash remains unknown as specialist teams work alongside emergency responders to secure the site and gather evidence.
With debris still being assessed and the area cordoned off, officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation develops.
For now, the incident remains a developing story, with many key questions still unanswered.
