The Dyfed Powys Police helicopter :Crashed

It is believed the helicopter developed mechanical problems as the crew were returning to the force's headquarters in Carmarthen.

It had been taking a patient to Morriston Hospital in Swansea on Tuesday and was on its way back to the force HQ when it had to land near a scrap yard in Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire.

The civilian pilot and one of the two police officers on board were released after treatment at the West Wales General Hospital at Carmarthen.

The second officer was unharmed.

A police spokesman said the helicopter, which was seriously damaged, now has to be recovered.

Emergency landing

"The helicopter was returning after airlifting an injured person to hospital when it had to make an emergency landing in a field.

"The aircraft came down on open land but sustained serious damage on landing."

Around two inches of snow fell over Cardiganshire on Tuesday, giving the west Wales county a white Christmas, but the bad weather is not thought to have been a factor in the emergency landing.

A replacement helicopter is expected to be made available to the Dyfed Powys force within a few days under insurance arrangements.

The incident has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority and an inquiry is expected to be carried out by the Air Accident Investigation Board.

It is not yet known what triggered the emergency landing at 1520 GMT on Christmas Day.

The damaged eight-seat Augusta 109 Power is Dyfed Powys Police's only helicopter.

This latest accident follows an accident in April 2000 when the South Wales Police helicopter crashed into the roof of a Cardiff house while pursuing a stolen car.

A report by the Air Accident Investigation Branch revealed that a badly fitted part caused that mechanical failure.