Six people have been killed after a helicopter with seven men on board crashed into the sea off Morecambe Bay last night.

The helicopter plunged into the sea as it approached a gas rig after contact with the aircraft had been lost at about 6pm. It had taken off from Blackpool and was visiting rigs to bring workers back to shore, reports Sky News.

The search continues for the seventh victim, still missing, after six bodies were pulled from the water.

Wreckage from the aircraft has also been recovered from the sea by search and rescue workers.

Michael Mulford from RAF Search and Rescue said: "Families will always be optimistic, but we have to temper that with the realism that as each hour goes by the chances do diminish.

"We just have to be realistic about the chances of someone surviving."

The Energy company Centrica confirmed that five of its employees were on board the aircraft.

In a statement it said it was contacting the families "connected with its Morecambe Bay gas fields" and said it was working with the coastguard to assist the rescue mission, reports Sky News.

A spokesman for CHC Helicopter Corporation which operated the flight said: "All of us are deeply, deeply saddened by this tragic accident.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

"This is a small community and these are our friends and family."

Two helpline numbers have been released by police: 01772 410772 and 01772 410774.