Royal Navy helicopter crashes near Okehampton, roads closed

A Royal Navy helicopter crashed into a field in rural Devon early Monday morning, prompting a major emergency response and significant road closures. The incident occurred at Sourton Down, near the town of Okehampton.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed emergency services were called to the scene following a crash involving a helicopter. Authorities have sealed off the area, describing the situation as ongoing. The number of people on board and their condition are not yet known, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Local residents reported hearing a low-flying aircraft followed by several loud explosions shortly after 3 a.m. One witness said they heard a helicopter flying very low without visible lights around 3:30 a.m. Another reported a loud bang at approximately the same time.

The crash has led to the closure of several key roads in the area. The A386 is closed in both directions from the A30 at Sourton Cross to the A3079 at Fowley Cross. The A30 slip road and the service station at Sourton Cross, including a fuel station, are also blocked. Police indicated the closures were established around 5 a.m. and are expected to remain in place for several hours as...