A BOARD of inquiry set up to investigate a military helicopter crash in which three men died has been suspended, it was announced last night.

North Yorkshire Police will instead lead the inquiry into the crash of the RAF Puma, which happened in a field west of Catterick Garrison on Wednesday last week.

A spokesman for the force said: "We can confirm that following the initial review by the board of inquiry into last Wednesday's helicopter crash, North Yorkshire Police have taken primacy in the investigation to examine the full circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.

"It would not be appropriate at this time to comment further, other than to confirm there is no evidence to suggest there has been any third party involvement."

A statement released by the Ministry of Defence said: "A Royal Air Force board of inquiry was convened at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to investigate the circumstances of a Puma helicopter crash that occurred at Catterick Garrison on August 8.

"Following an initial investigation by the board of inquiry, the convening authority has decided that the board of inquiry should be suspended at this stage pending further investigation by the North Yorkshire civilian police authorities, which we will fully support."

An MoD spokesman said it was normal practice to suspend a board of inquiry when a police force took the lead in an investigation, but said he could not comment further on the matter.

Flight Lt David Sale, the helicopter's captain, and crewman Sgt Phillip Burfoot died at the scene of the crash, while Army recruit Pte Sean Tait, 17 died two days later in hospital. Nine other people were injured.

Inquests into the deaths have been opened and adjourned.