The Royal Navy have launched an investigation after a helicopter crashed in a field in Devon.
Police are at the scene of the crash which occurred close to the town of Okehampton in the early hours of the morning.
It remains unclear how many passengers were on board and if anyone was injured.
What caused the crash remains unknown.
The Ministry of Defence have since confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter and an investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.
The type of helicopter involved has not been named, but sources claimed the downed copter was a Merlin.
It has has a good safety record but in 2024 a Merlin Mk4 ditched while operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth off Dorset in September 2024, with the loss of the pilot.
The site of the crash is between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
It is also close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
Residents who live nearby claim to have heard a ‘loud explosion’ at around 3.15am.
Pictured: Road closures in Devon following a helicopter crash in the early hours of this morning
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: ‘Two helicopters last night flew so close to my house that the windows shook and my children were woken by it.
‘Others in the village were also disturbed by it. We semi-regularly have these flights but nothing has been as close or loud or dangerous feeling as last night.
Another has claimed to have heard a chopper ‘flying very low’ in the area earlier this morning.
Roads across the area have been closed since 5am this morning with Devon and Cornwall Police describing the incident as ‘ongoing’.
National Highways traffic updates website said the road closure was expected to be in place until 11.30am.
In a statement Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘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.
‘The Ministry of Defence have confirmed it was a Royal Navy helicopter.’
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence told the Daily Mail: ‘An incident occurred involving a Royal Navy helicopter just before 4.00am on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon.
‘An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’
A spokesperson for the Royal Navy said: ‘An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’
