Three people have died and a fourth remains in hospital in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed during a flying lesson on the Isle of Wight.
The crash happened near the A3020 Shanklin Road at 9.24am on Monday, prompting a major operation from emergency services.
Police have now sadly confirmed three people have died following the crash, as officers continue to contact and support the victim’s families.
A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: "We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning.
"Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.
"At this time we are unable to provide further information about the people involved, as efforts continue to contact and support their families.
"We will not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but continue to work alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch."
The helicopter was being used for a flying lesson and had four people on board including the pilot, the operator Northumbria Helicopters confirmed.
A critical care team, including a doctor and a specialist paramedic, rushed to the scene, as well as crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
The road remains closed this afternoon as drivers have been asked to use an alternative route.
Several emergency services vehicles remain at the scene of the crash.
The operator of the aircraft that crashed said: "Northumbria Helicopters confirms aircraft G-OCLV was involved in an accident in the Shanklin area on the Isle of Wight.
"The flight, which departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 9am was carrying four passengers on board including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson.
"Northumbria Helicopters is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
"Northumbria Helicopters will release further information in due course."
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesman 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."
The AAIB said: "The AAIB was notified of an accident involving a light helicopter on the Isle of Wight this morning.
"We are deploying a team to commence an investigation."
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
