Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon, the Ministry of Defence said.
The helicopter crashed in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, just before 4am on Wednesday. The crew were taking part in a training exercise on the Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter when it hit the ground.
Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency services were notified at around 3.45am after reports of the incident.
Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths of the personnel were “utterly tragic”.
“My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning. Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.”
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, 3 June, 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.”
It is understood that King Charles is writing privately to the families concerned.
Defence secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the loss of three service personnel”.
“They served with excellence and will be much missed. All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time. I thank the emergency services for their response.”
The nearest Royal Navy base is HMNB Devonport in Plymouth. The Okehampton area lies between the navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The scene of the crash is 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.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the head of the navy, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crew members 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 underway and further updates will be provided in due course.”
Several road closures were put in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross slip and services area on Wednesday morning following the incident.
Devon and Cornwall Police had advised drivers to seek alternative routes around the road closures.
