A helicopter which crashed into the sea in East Yorkshire did not set off from Teesside - and did not land in the area.
The helicopter was seen crashing off the coast near Flamborough at 1.40pm today, Humberside Police said.
There were reports from other news sources and social media that the aircraft had flown from Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA).
But they have now been dismissed by a spokesman for the terminal.
He said: “Reports that the helicopter involved in the incident at Flamborough this afternoon originated from Durham Tees Valley Airport are incorrect.
“Air traffic control at Durham Tees Valley did handle the flight, which it is believed originated in Scotland, whilst in local airspace. Subsequently the pilot of the aircraft contacted air traffic control to state that he had landed at a private site and was then proceeding to Humberside Airport.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the private site the helicopter had landed at was not in Teesside.Reports had earlier said that the helicopter was flying back to Humberside Airport in North Lincolnshire when it got into difficulties.
Scene where helicopter crashed off Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire
Police, coastguard and the air ambulance service were reported to be at the scene.
A Humberside Police spokesperson said the incident did not involve a police helicopter.
A statement released by police said: “Police received a call from a concerned member of public reporting a helicopter having crashed into the sea off the coast near Flamborough at around 1.40pm today.
“Police, coastguard and ambulance service attended the area right away and a search was carried out which resulted in the helicopter being located in the sea off the coast of Flamborough near the lighthouse.
“An area has been cordoned off while the emergency services and coast guard continue their work.
“Initial inquiries are being made in order to try and establish the circumstances which led to the helicopter coming down.”
Members of the public have been asked to stay away from the site of the crash due to dangerous cliff edges and aviation fuel in the water.
A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Air Ambulance confirmed they also sent a crew at the scene.
The RNLI said two lifeboats had been launched - from Flamborough and Bridlington - and were searching in the area.
Golfers at Flamborough Head Golf Club said they thought the small helicopter, believed to be returning to Humberside Airport, had been trying to land near the club’s 17th green.
Witness Chris Palmer said he heard a loud “crack” and then the helicopter disappeared out of sight behind the cliffs.
He told the BBC: “We heard the helicopter. It was like a white, private helicopter going along the coast.
“We all heard this really loud crack and looked up again.
“The helicopter started to descend, almost like a plane when it lands. It then went behind the cliff and that’s when I called the emergency services.”
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