A widescale emergency operation involving police, paramedics and fire crews is underway following the crash of the aircraft.

Believed to be a private flight, the helicopter crashed into a field just yards away from a factory belonging to Refood, a food waste recycling firm in Ings Road. 

Emergency services first attended the scene around 10:14am, with eyewitnesses reporting there were at least 30 vehicles at the field. 

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “At 10:14am today (Thursday 30 October) we were called to Ings Lane, Bentley, where it is reported that a helicopter crashed into a field.

“Officers and emergency services colleagues are in attendance at the scene.

“Ings Lane is closed while we respond to the incident.

“Please avoid the area and plan an alternative route where possible.

“Further updates will be provided when they are available.”