Technical fault grounds Chinook in Bromyard field

A Chinook helicopter is being looked after by military personnel after landing in a Herefordshire field, police have said.

The helicopter, from RAF Odiham in Hampshire, landed near Bromyard as a precaution on Wednesday following a "technical issue", according to an RAF spokesperson.

West Mercia Police said that the helicopter was "likely" to be stationed in the field throughout the weekend.

The force warned drivers to be mindful when driving past or stopping to have a look at the aircraft, after receiving a number of reports of vehicles causing obstructions.

The Chinook is a "versatile, heavy-lift helicopter equipped for extreme environments" from the arctic to the jungle, the RAF said.

Armed with self-defence systems, it primarily supports troop transport, resupply, and casualty evacuation, carrying up to 55 troops or 10 tonnes of cargo.

The aircraft also plays a key role in the UK's defence and is held to respond to emergencies.

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