An investigation has begun after four crew members died when a US military helicopter crashed in Norfolk on a training mission.
The Pave Hawk from RAF Lakenheath was taking part in a low-flying training exercise when it came down in a nature reserve in Cley-next-the-Sea around 6pm on Tuesday.
A statement from the 48th Fighter Wing of RAF Lakenheath said: “US military officials are coordinating the recovery efforts with the UK police and the Ministry of Defence.
“The authorities have secured the crash site and established a cordon.
“The aircraft, assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, was performing a low-level training mission along the coast when the crash occurred.”
Emergency services have been working at the scene throughout the night with the help of military personnel and volunteers.
Residents told of hearing a “heavy and very unusual” sound overhead as the helicopter which specialises in recovering troops from war zones plummeted into marshland at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes Nature Reserve.
The aircraft was carrying munitions at the time of the crash and police said they were investigating the nature of the weaponry, which may pose a risk to the public.
Norfolk Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Hamlin said: “I would like to pass on my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of those US Air Force personnel who have sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident.
“Emergency services, the military, partner agencies and volunteers have been working through the night to deal with this difficult situation on our coastline and I would also like to thank them for their professionalism and resilience.
“As our inquiry moves on today and the recovery of the aircraft begins, I would urge the public to stay away from the area – the cordon and road closures are in place to allow our experts to carry out these processes safely and there is no risk to members of the public if this section of marshland is avoided.”
A second helicopter from RAF Lakenheath was also in the area at the time of the crash and set down on the marshes to try to assist, and remains at the scene while the investigation continues.
Inquiries into the cause of the crash, as well as the recovery of the wreckage and the second aircraft, are expected to take a number of days to complete, due to the geography and the munitions from the crashed helicopter.