Three Royal Navy crew members killed in Devon helicopter crash

Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The crash took place during a training exercise with a Merlin helicopter shortly before 4am on Wednesday morning. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers 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 under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”

“The families of the Service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released,” the MoD said in a statement. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”

It comes just hours after the Government confirmed the death of another soldier during a training exercise in Iraq. Lance Corporal James Stewart Freeman, 29, died on Sunday. Details of the incident have not yet been disclosed.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.