Four dead in McRae copter crash

It is believed Colin McRae was onboard the helicopter

Four people have been killed in a helicopter crash near the Lanarkshire home of former World Rally Champion Colin McRae.

The helicopter came down at 1610 BST in Jerviswood, about a mile from Lanark, and is understood to have caught fire.

Strathclyde Police said the Squirrel aircraft was believed to be owned by Colin McRae, 39, who is thought to have been onboard.

However they said formal identification still had to be carried out.

Mr McRae, 39, is known to be a keen helicopter pilot.

Strathclyde Police said the helicopter damage was so bad they could not confirm how many were involved.

A police statement said: "Around 1610 BST on Saturday, 15 September 2007, emergency services were called to a helicopter crash in Jerviswood, east of the A73 at Lanark.

"There are no survivors.

"There will be no formal identification of anyone on board this evening."

Police are still at the scene of the crash conducting a search of the area.

An air accident investigation team will carry out a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

The helicopter crashed on the outskirts of Lanark

The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that its own helicopter had been despatched to the scene along with three ambulance crews.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service also has units in attendance at the scene.

The RAF spokesman said the incident did not involve a military aircraft and added that its helicopter was on stand-by to assist.

A spokesman for the British Airports Authority said the helicopter did not come from Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports.