TV crew hurt in air crash

Four people were onboard at the time of the crash

A helicopter carrying a television crew filming a programme for the BBC has crashed in Northumberland, injuring three people.

The Jetranger aircraft came down near Once Brewed, just outside Haltwhistle, at 1530 BST on Friday.

The helicopter was being used to film a history programme presented by Alan Titchmarsh - who witnessed the accident from the ground.

Four people, including cameraman John Brown and researcher Stuart Armstrong from Bristol, were on board the aircraft when it crashed between Hotbank and Steel Rigg, near Hadrian's Wall.

Three people were taken to Hexham General Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

The fourth person was treated at the scene.

Full investigation

A spokesman for the RAF said they were "lucky to escape" with their lives.

Annie Sweetbaum, Mr Titchmarsh's agent, said he was "absolutely fine" and currently giving a statement to police about the incident.

She said: "From what I understand, he saw the helicopter come down which is why he obviously has to give a statement."

The Department of Transport's air accident investigation branch has launched an initial investigation into the helicopter crash.

A spokeswoman said: "It is very early stages and we will decide soon whether to launch a fuller investigation into the incident."