Helicopter crashes in a field near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight

A pleasure flight helicopter has crashed in a field near a busy road on the Isle of Wight this morning – with one casualty taken to hospital.

The tourist aircraft came down near the town of Shanklin on the main route to Newport, sparking a huge emergency response to the scene.

It had taken off from Sandown Airport – its second trip of the day – before suddenly running into difficulties. 

The nightmare unfolded just after 9.20am as calls started coming in to the air ambulance service that something had gone seriously wrong.

Emergency crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent are currently working at the scene.

It is unclear how many people were on board or how badly hurt they may have been. 

So far the ambulance service has confirmed one person has been airlifted to Southampton Hospital for treatment. 

Fire engines from Shanklin, Ventnor and Newport are also on site trying to help tackle the aftermath of the crash.

Shanklin Road is currently closed between the junctions with Whiteley Bank and Apse Manor Road.

Hampshire Police said: ‘We were called at 9.24am to a report that a helicopter had come down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road.

‘The road is closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene, so please avoid the area at this time.’

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said: ‘We can confirm our dispatchers deployed the Air Ambulance at 09.20am to an incident near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight today Monday 25 August.

‘The Critical Care Team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic are on scene, working alongside our emergency service colleagues.’