Bodies taken from air crash site

The wreckage of the craft is being examined for evidence

The bodies of the three victims of Saturday's helicopter crash in Gloucestershire have been removed from the wreckage of the aircraft.

Gloucestershire Police said there would be no identification of the bodies until post-mortem examinations have been completed.

Two men and a woman, all from the Midlands, died in the crash.

Wreckage from the scene is expected to be taken to the base of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch later.

The Gazelle helicopter came down at Langley Hill Farm, near Winchcombe, at about 1200 GMT on Saturday.

It is believed the helicopter had been flying from Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, to Yeovilton, in Somerset.

Police said the victims' next-of-kin had been informed.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it would be transporting the wreckage of the craft to its base in Farnborough, Hampshire, for further tests.

A spokeswoman said a report on the accident would be published "in due course".

Police cordoned off access routes around the farm

The helicopter was co-owned and based in Baxterley, in Warwickshire.

The Great Western Ambulance Service said no mayday call had been received prior to the crash.

Gloucestershire Police blocked access to the farm while the bodies were removed.

A police spokesman said the private helicopter was ex-military and not a "local aircraft".

The Gazelle is a French-designed helicopter which can hold five people, including the pilot.

It has a top speed of 193mph and is used by both the military, for reconnaissance, and by private pilots.