Three die in helicopter crash

Accident investigators will today begin examining the wreckage of a burnt-out helicopter that crashed yesterday, killing three people on board. The private, Gazelle helicopter came down in thick mist on farmland near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, and burst into flames.

It is believed to have taken off from Stratford-upon-Avon with a flight path planned through to Yeovilton, Somerset.

A police spokesman said: "The coroner and Air Investigation have been informed and are liaising with Gloucestershire police." He said all of the victims, two men and one woman, were from the Midlands.

Elizabeth Teague, 58, who lives close to the crash scene, said: "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."

A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "The wreckage will be transported to our facility in Hampshire for further examination."