Lakenheath: MP Pays Tribute Following Helicopter Crash

8 January 2014, 11:16

Matthew Hancock, the MP for West Suffolk, which includes Lakenheath, has paid his 'heartfelt condolences', following the crash of a helicopter from RAF Lakenheath.

He says, "My heartfelt condolences are with the families and comrades of the airmen killed in the RAF Lakenheath helicopter crash. Lakenheath is a close-knit community, and I know that this tragic loss of life will be deeply felt.
 
"In Suffolk we never forget that the presence of the men and women of the 48th Fighter Wing helps guarantee Britain's security and shared freedoms.  This crash reminds us of the bravery of our allies, in training and in war.
 
"I also wish to pay tribute to the emergency services, who had to confront both difficult terrain and the presence of live ammunition as they arrived at the scene of the crash."

Specialist teams are examining the site of a US military helicopter crash in Norfolk, described as the size of a football pitch.

The investigation into last night's Pave Hawk crash is being hampered by the fact that it was carrying munitions, meaning that bullets are scattered around the scene.

Emergency services worked throughout the night with the help of military personnel and volunteers after the aircraft from RAF Lakenheath came down at a nature reserve in Cley next the Sea at around 6pm during a low-flying training exercise.

Police say it's too early to say what caused the crash.