SAD NEWS: FOUR KILLED IN A HELICOPTER CLASH.

Four were killed in a helicopter crash in thick fog in Norfolk, UK.

The emergency services were called at 7.30 yesterday evening following reports that the civilian aircraft had come down near the stately home of Lord Ballyedmond, also known as Dr Edward Haughey, in Gillingham, near Beccles. The helicopter was understood to be on its way to Northern Ireland.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police said: ‘It's a civilian helicopter, and there were four occupants on board who are all thought to have died in the crash.’

Four people were killed in a civilian helicopter crash in Gillingham, near Beccles, Norfolk

The house, which dates back to the 17th century, is set in 55 acres of grounds and is known to have a helipad. Dr Haughey, who is married with three children, is said to regularly fly in and out of the property.

A spokeswoman for East of England Ambulance Service said: ‘Sadly, it is believed that four people in the helicopter are believed to have died in the crash. 

'Ambulance resources have now been stood down from the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives tonight.’

Two ambulance officers, three ambulances, two doctors and one rapid response car attended the scene.

Eyewitness Michael Tabby described how he joined the search after hearing ‘a loud bang’ and an engine subsiding.

He said: ‘I was outside McDonald's with my friend when we heard a helicopter coming in quite low.

‘It sounded like it was in difficulty and was trying to land opposite where there is private helicopter landing pad.

‘It sounded as though it then tried to climb and crossed the road in the direction of Norwich and then there was loud bang followed by the sound of jet engine winding down.

‘My friend called the police and we tried searching the fields opposite with two other men but we could not find anything.’

Roland Bronk, owner of The Swan House inn and restaurant in Beccles, said it was ‘very foggy’ in the area. 

Mr Bronk said he heard customers talk about ‘a lot of police activity and ambulances’.

Taxi driver Mark Murray, 22, from Beccles, said: ‘There is a large stately home nearby and you often see helicopters coming and going from there.

‘When they have a game shoot the guests often all arrive in separate helicopters. We don't know if that is linked, but that's the only helicopter activity we see in this area.’

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