Three confirmed dead in helicopter crash

Police are investigating the cause of a helicopter crash in Northern Ireland on Saturday that killed three people, including a close friend of Prince Charles and his two sons.

The Prince of Wales was said to be "shocked and deeply saddened" at the death of Charles Stisted, CEO of the Guards Polo Club, of which both Prince William and Prince Harry are members.

The aircraft came down on the Mountains of Mourne in Co Down at 4pm on Saturday, on its way back to England after a shooting expedition.

Emergency services including the coastguard and mountain rescue teams were alerted when a member of the public reported seeing an aircraft in distress. However, it was soon evident that none of the passengers had survived. The two other victims were the pilot of the helicopter and its owner, Ian Wooldridge.

Describing the incident as a "terrible tragedy," a Clarence House spokeswoman said: "Their Royal Highnesses' thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed at this dreadful time."