5 dead in helicopter crash in Snowdonia, North Wales

Five people have been killed in a helicopter crash in Snowdonia, North Wales, according to police.

The privately chartered helicopter went missing over the Irish Sea last night (29 March) while en route from Luton to Dublin. It lost contact with radar operators at around 4.15pm.

The UK Coastguard conducted a large scale search and rescue operation. That search has now come to an end with the discovery of the wreckage and the bodies.

The helicopter crashed into mountains between Trawsfynydd and Harlech.

The bodies of the dead have not yet been formally identified but families of the victims have been contacted, according to the BBC.

Superintendent Gareth Evans said: "I can sadly now confirm that a crash site has been located and that five people have lost their lives during this incident.

"This is an agonising time for the families and friends of those involved. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time. No official identification has taken place so we are not releasing any details of those involved at this time."

MailOnline report that millionaire couple Kevin and Ruth Burke are the registered owners of the couple and that they were believed to have been onboard.

North West Wales coroner Dewi Pritchard-Jones, has begun an investigation.