From correspondents in London

September 16, 2007 09:06am
Article from: Agence France-Presse

British former world rallying champion Colin McRae is believed to have been killed in a helicopter crash at his home in Scotland, police say.

Four people died in the crash at Jerviswood near the town of Lanark in southern Scotland, Strathclyde Police said.

A Sky News television reporter on the scene said the helicopter came down by McRae's house on land he owned and said he could see smoke rising into the air.

He said sources told him it was a Twin Squirrel helicopter registered to McRae.

There were no survivors and formal identification of the bodies was not expected until later today.

"We can now confirm that four people were on board the helicopter which crashed in the wooded area in Lanark at 16:10 (1.10am AEST) this afternoon,'' a Strathclyde police spokesman said.

"The bodies were found within the helicopter which is owned by Mr Colin McRae. It is believed he was on board.

"However, until formal identification has taken place we will be unable to confirm the identities of those on board.

"Police are still at the scene where further searches are continuing. Air accident investigations will be carrying out a full investigation into the cause of the crash.''

A police source anticipated formal identification might be made this evening (Australian time).

McRae, 39, held a pilot's licence and travelled by helicopter on a regular basis.

The Scot won the 1995 World Rally Championship and was the runner-up in 1996, 1997 and 2001.

He was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by the Queen in 1996.

- with Reuters Source

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