Three people died when a helicopter crashed into a field near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has said.
Three people died when a helicopter crashed into a field near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has said.
The private Gazelle helicopter came down at about 1200 GMT at Langley Hill Farm near Winchcombe.
The private Gazelle helicopter came down at about 1200 GMT at Langley Hill Farm, near Winchcombe.
Police said the force was liaising with the AAIB. The helicopter is not thought to be a local aircraft.
Emergency crews were at the crash site, which was cordoned off as police combed the area for evidence.
An AAIB spokeswoman said: "We were informed of a crash involving a private helicopter... and are investigating."
A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said the force was liaising with officials from the AAIB.
Heavy mist
Heavy mist
A woman living on an adjoining farm said she believed there were several people on board. One of them may have been a child, she added.
A woman living on an adjoining farm said she believed there were several people on board. One of them may have been a child, she added.
The employee at nearby Langley Farm, who did not want to be named, told how the helicopter came down in heavy mist.
The employee at nearby Langley Farm, who did not want to be named, told how the helicopter came down in heavy mist.
She added: "It's an awful tragedy and it's amazing we didn't see or hear it come down.
She added: "It's an awful tragedy and it's amazing we didn't see or hear it come down.
"We were all out and about this morning but my neighbour, Gill, came across the wreckage as she put out her animals.
"We were all out and about this morning but my neighbour, Gill, came across the wreckage as she put out her animals.
"It was on fire and was still burning after emergency services arrived. It's a horrible situation for everyone concerned - there are ambulances and rescue crews still here now."
"It was on fire and was still burning after emergency services arrived. It's a horrible situation for everyone concerned - there are ambulances and rescue crews still here now."
Elizabeth Teague, 58, who lives on Harveys Lane, below Langley Hill, said: "We've seen a lot of activity going on, a lot of emergency vehicles.
Elizabeth Teague, 58, who lives on Harveys Lane, below Langley Hill, said: "We've seen a lot of activity going on, a lot of emergency vehicles.
"There were about six fire engines going up, an ambulance, police vehicles and there was a lot of helicopter activity.
"There were about six fire engines going up, an ambulance, police vehicles and there was a lot of helicopter activity.
"It seems like a large operation. Police have shut the end of the road."
"It seems like a large operation. Police have shut the end of the road."
She said it was not unusual to see Army or private helicopters flying in the area. The weather wasn't particularly bad. It was just a dank November day."
She said it was not unusual to see Army or private helicopters flying in the area. The weather wasn't particularly bad. It was just a dank November day."
Are you in the area? Did you witness the crash?
Are you in the area? Did you witness the crash?
Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124.
Send your comments using the post form below, or text 61124.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
