Three members of the Royal Navy have died when a military helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed.The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning near Sourton Down, near Okehampton. Emergency services were alerted at about 3.45am after a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter was reported to have crashed in a field.According to the Defense Ministry, the plane was taking part in a training exercise when it crashed.In a post on Twitter, the ministry said: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Saughton, Devon, on Wednesday, June 3.”The ministry said the families of the deceased personnel have been informed.“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested some time off before releasing further information. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this tragic time,” it said.The identities of the three personnel have not yet been released. General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.He said: “I am very sad to share the news that a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter has crashed near Saunton, Devon this morning, killing all three crew members on board.“I know this will be a huge blow to everyone in our Navy community, and I have my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy.“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning.”Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the scene shortly before 4am and emergency services responded to the scene of the crash.