Three dead in helicopter crash

Three people have been killed after a helicopter crashed in a field in Kent, police have said.

Emergency services were called to a field in Cudham Lane South, at Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, at 0950 BST.

The three-seater Huges 500 craft had just taken off on a private charter from Biggin Hill airport when the accident happened. Police say all three people on board died.

It is not yet known where it was flying to, but officials at the Open golf at Sandwich have confirmed the helicopter was not flying to the championships.

A spokesman for Biggin Hill airport said: "We are saddened by the news as we have an excellent safety record."

The cause of the crash is not yet known, but investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation branch have been sent to the scene.

More details are expected later.