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Two killed as helicopter crashes Two killed as helicopter crashes
(31 minutes later)
A helicopter has crashed on the banks of an estuary in Lancashire, killing two people on board.A helicopter has crashed on the banks of an estuary in Lancashire, killing two people on board.
Police said a Mayday signal was sent from the aircraft as it flew over Poulton-le-Fylde, near Blackpool, at about 1210 BST.Police said a Mayday signal was sent from the aircraft as it flew over Poulton-le-Fylde, near Blackpool, at about 1210 BST.
The aircraft was located at Barnaby's Sands, an area of salt marsh on the edge of the Wyre estuary, about 40 minutes later.The aircraft was located at Barnaby's Sands, an area of salt marsh on the edge of the Wyre estuary, about 40 minutes later.
Emergency services are at the scene and are carrying out a recovery operation. Emergency services are at the scene carrying out a recovery operation.
Lancashire police have confirmed both people on board suffered fatal injuries.Lancashire police have confirmed both people on board suffered fatal injuries.
It is not yet known what caused the helicopter to crash. It is not known what caused the helicopter to crash.
The Mayday signal was received by Blackpool Airport's air traffic control at about 1210 BST. Airport signal
Staff immediately alerted the emergency services and the discovery of the wreckage was made at 1250 BST. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the helicopter was understood to be a civilian aircraft.
The Mayday signal was received by Blackpool Airport's air traffic control, which alerted the emergency services.
The wreckage was discovered at 1250 BST.
Barnaby's Sands, which is a nature reserve, is managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.Barnaby's Sands, which is a nature reserve, is managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
According to the trust, it is one of the last extensive areas of un-grazed salt marsh on the Lancashire coast and is popular with birdwatchers.