Two men have been treated by paramedics after a helicopter crashed and split in half during an emergency landing this morning.

Fire crews from Ashford, two ambulances, the hazardous area response team (HART) and police were all called to Snargate Lane, in Brookland, near Brenzett at 11.10am following reports a chopper had crash landed.

The pair walked away from the Robinson R22 aircraft after it rolled onto its side.

The aircraft had taken off from Headcorn Aerodrome earlier this morning before being forced to crash land in the field.

Parts of the aircraft's tail have been left scattered in the field and the rotors have been bent following the impact.

It is owned by Thurston Helicopters based at Headcorn which runs lessons and pilot training courses.

The helicopter is a two-seater aircraft with a maximum airspeed of 118mph and is often used as a beginner aircraft to train new pilots.

The two men in the cockpit were treated at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.

HART tweeted: "Ashford & ops responding to helicopter crash near Snargate."

A spokesman for Kent Police said the road had been closed and air accident investigators have been informed.

They said: "Kent Police was called to Snargate Lane at 11.13am on Friday, February 13 to a report an aircraft had to make an emergency landing in a field.

"Officers, Secamb and KFRS are currently at the scene.

"The road has been closed. Minor injuries have been reported at this stage.

"Officers are liaising with air accident investigators and inquiries are ongoing."

South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman Rich Airey said: "We were called just after 11.10am to reports a helicopter had crash landed.

"It was reported that the helicopter had a soft landing but then rolled onto its side.

"We sent two ambulances, a car and the hazardous area response team.

"Two male patients walked away from the aircraft and were checked over at the scene. They didn't require hospital treatment.

"We were at the scene for 30 minutes."

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