East Yorkshire Helicopter Crash: Two Dead and Possibly a Third Body Recovered

Up to three bodies have reportedly been recovered following a helicopter crash off the coast of East Yorkshire.

The Bell Jetranger helicopter was on its way from Durham Tees Valley Airport when it crashed near Flamborough Head around 1.40pm.

One eyewitness claimed a RNLI crew member said there were two bodies that were retrieved from the wreckage and perhaps even a third was taken from the vehicle.

The fisherman, who did not want to be named, said: "My mate, who's been talking to one of the lifeboat crew, told me there had been two bodies pulled from the helicopter, with potentially a third."

The area has been cordoned off while the emergency services and coastguard carry out their investigation.

Police have confirmed two male bodies were recovered from the helicopter before 5pm but the cause of the crash was still unclear.

Members of the public have been warned to stay away from the scene "until further notice due to the dangerous cliff edges".

Earlier, Paul Litten from Humberside Airport confirmed the helicopter flight was on its way from Durham Tess Valley Airport and air traffic control was preparing for its arrival.

"Police, coastguard and ambulance service attended the area right away and a search was carried out, which resulted in the helicopter being located in the sea off the coast of Flamborough near the lighthouse," Humberside Police said in a statement.

"An area has been cordoned off while the emergency services and coastguard continue their work."

Chris Feast, from Flamborough Head Golf Club, told Bridlington Free Press a number of golfers had seen the helicopter trying to land near the 17th green and then reported hearing a "loud bang and crash".