Probe as four feared dead in North helicopter crash

Police will today confirm the number of people killed in a helicopter crash in the North with several feared dead in the tragedy.

Investigators will continue their examination of the crash site this morning after the wreckage was located last night in the Mountains of Mourne in Co Down.

The helicopter is believed to have taken off from the St Angelo airport in Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh and crashed at around 4pm at the Leitrim Lodge Picnic area of the mountain range set on the North's eastern coastline.

Mountain rescue teams, the coastguard and air accident investigators were alerted when a member of the public reported seeing an aircraft in distress and the crash site was located near Hilltown.

At least two, and up to four people, are feared dead, but police have yet to confirm any details on the loss of life. The Agusta helicopter involved is believed to be able to hold eight people.

The crash site was cordoned-off last night and, while ambulances attended the scene there have been no reports of survivors.

The isolated location of the crash is on boggy ground on a mountain between Hilltown and Rostrevor.