Mob attacks air crash ambulance

The helicopter crashed into a field near a built-up area

An ambulance taking a casualty from an Army helicopter crash in County Armagh was forced to stop because of hostile crowds, the Ambulance Service has said.

A group of youths ambushed the vehicle in Crossmaglen as it drove towards the Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.

A total of six people were injured, two airmen and four police officers, in the helicopter crash on Sunday.

Stones, fireworks and snowballs were hurled at the ambulance crew as they attempted to treat the injured.

"They stopped the vehicle for about a minute and shone torches into it," the Ambulance Service's director of operations, Brian McNeill, said.

"We are only trying to do our job and it is difficult enough going to a major incident like that without having to deal with unruly crowds, and it is unacceptable."

A number of people on the helicopter suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.

It was confirmed four of the injured were taken to the Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry and two to the Craigavon Area Hospital - one by helicopter.

A total of three police officers were later discharged, but one policeman was still being treated for a back injury.

The craft crashed into a field close to Lismore housing estate and grounds of the Crossmaglen Rangers Gaelic Athletic Association club.

Propellers were crushed and the tail had snapped off.

Mr McNeill added: "We would appeal to people to stop this. Thankfully the person who was on the ambulance which stopped was not critically injured.

"We are only interested in rescuing the casualties and saving lives."

Up to seven ambulances and a several fire tenders rushed to the scene at about 1800 GMT on Sunday.

An air accident investigation will now be carried out to find out why the accident happened.