Chinook makes 'unplanned landing' in Carmarthenshire

The Chinook landed in a field, possibly after hitting overhead wires

A Chinook helicopter was forced to make an unplanned landing on Carmarthenshire farmland, Ministry of Defence officials have confirmed.

The MoD said the incident happened on Tuesday evening near Llangynin, and the twin-engine aircraft crew suffered "minor injuries".

A suspected "wire strike" is thought to be responsible for the heavy-lifting helicopter coming down in the area.

Military chiefs said the Chinook was on a training exercise at the time.

The helicopter's crew have remained with the aircraft to maintain security until it can be recovered.

Electric supply cut off

The RAF has a fleet of about 60 Chinook helicopters in operation

Pam Windsor, a community councillor in Llangynin, said her electricity supply cut off suddenly after her family heard a "loud sort of droning noise of a helicopter very close by".

She said: "We went outside and we could see the Chinook very low, just passing over the village heading towards fields in the distance.

"My son, Alex, and I jumped into his vehicle and headed down there in case of any injuries or anything.

"Luckily they had landed very safely in a field just a few minutes from the village but unfortunate as they had come down they had hit some sort of electric overhead cables.

"We were first on the scene and we spoke to one of the crew members.

"They were very shaken and shocked but all okay as far as we can see."