It happened just after 9am when a privately owned Bell Jet Ranger helicopter crashed in the valley near to the 33rd Milestone on the Mountain Road.

It is believed there was only one person on board the aircraft at the time.

Detective Inspector Steve Maddocks said: ‘We are currently with an incident involving a helicopter crashing into the valley just off the Mountain Road near the 33rd Milestone.

‘We, together with our colleagues from the fire service and air crash investigators are trying to establish the cause of the crash.

‘It is believed that one person, a man believed to be a non-island resident, is currently being dealt with by officers.

‘The aircraft has crashed into the fields and there were no other people, vehicles or properties involved.

‘As you can understand we are in the early stages of our investigation and once I am able to provide further details I will do so.

‘The Mountain Road is currently closed between Ramsey and the Creg ny Baa and will remain closed until further notice.’

Isle of Man Newspapers understands a farmer called emergency services after seeing the accident.

UPDATE

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed near the TT course this morning, a 48 year old man from Lincolnshire, received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His relatives have now been informed.

The aircraft had flown two passengers to the Creg-ny-Baa shortly beforehand. These people have been traced and spoken with.