Arsonists attack police helicopter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKb_kjtyi38

A police helicopter was set on fire in an arson attack at Birmingham Airport.

The West Midlands force's only helicopter was targeted early this morning.

See also: Photos: Police helicopter attacked by arsonists

Firefighters were called by air traffic control staff to its landing site at Elmdon Airport on the site of Birmingham International Airport just before 2am. The front end of the helicopter had been set on fire and the full extent of the damage is currently being assessed.

Police have said air support will still be provided with the help of neighbouring forces while inquiries take place.

Forensic investigators and detectives have been working at the scene to establish what happened. A large hole had been cut in a fence close to the helicopter.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said a criminal investigation was launched immediately and police were working with airport security and the fire service to establish what had happened.

"Officers from West Midlands Police have launched a criminal investigation after the force helicopter was targeted in an arson attack this morning," she said.

"The fire service were called by air traffic control to the helicopter's landing site at Elmdon Airport in Birmingham at just before 2am this morning.

"While the investigation is ongoing we would like to reassure the public that we will continue to provide air support when necessary.

"The damage to the helicopter is being assessed and we will be speaking to our insurers regarding the cost of repair."

Birmingham Airport spokesman Daniel Scaife said the airfield was temporarily closed for half an hour.

"No scheduled passenger jets operate from this area," he said. "No flights were affected and the airport is fully operational. The incident, which led to damage being caused to a police helicopter, is being investigated by the airport company and West Midlands Police. No-one was injured." Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann said that the helicopter had suffered "extensive damage". "Although our helicopter is out of action now, I can reassure everybody concerned that we do still have access to air support," he said.