Police helicopter faces repairs

A helicopter from South Wales Police is covering

The Dyfed-Powys Police helicopter has been grounded for "essential" repairs, and it is unclear when it will be back in action.

Police said the helicopter was "away being serviced" and that an aircraft from the neighbouring South Wales force was filling in.

It is understood to have been grounded for some time but it is not known what is wrong with the machine.

The force said it had a "mutual aid" arrangement with South Wales Police.

The helicopter is based at Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters in Carmarthen, but officials refused to say when the aircraft would resume service.

They were also unwilling to reveal how much it was costing to hire the South Wales Police helicopter.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said: "The helicopter is away being serviced and is having essential work carried out at present.

"We have a long-standing mutual aid arrangement with South Wales Police - therefore the force area has the required helicopter coverage during such periods."

A previous police helicopter crashed near Cross Hands on Christmas Day in 2001, with the crew suffering minor injuries. A replacement was bought for £3m two years later.