The Squirrel training helicopter came down in fields near the village of Kingscott, near Torrington, North Devon.

One crew member was pronounced dead at the scene and the second was airlifted to hospital but died later.

The Ministry of Defence said next of kin were being informed.

A spokesman said: "An Army training helicopter crashed today in Devon. Sadly, we can confirm that both service personnel on board have died. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

"The next of kin are currently being informed. We will confirm further details once this process has been completed."

Two rescue helicopters, from RMB Chivenor in north Devon and Portland Coastguard in Dorset, and the Devon Air Ambulance were sent to the crash site, Swansea coastguard said.

One crew member, believed to be male, was pronounced dead at the scene, the ambulance service said.

The second was flown to North Devon District Hospital but later died. No one was reported hurt on the ground.

Nearly 12,000 homes in the area suffered a power failure at the time of the crash. Police said power lines came down at the time of the crash but could not confirm the helicopter hit overhead cables.