The Salvation Army remains on standby after a Royal Air Force (RAF) helicopter crashed in north Yorkshire last night, killing two people and injuring 10.

A rescue operation was launched by the Ministry of Defence after the RAF Puma helicopter came down in a wooded area just west of Catterick Garrison army base at around 9pm.

The injuries sustained by crash survivors ranged from "very serious to walking wounded", said a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman, according to AFP news agency.

The Salvation Army, which has a number of Red Shield Centres at the Garrison, were called upon to assist military and emergency services at the scene of the crash by providing refreshments and pastoral support.

Salvation Army personnel remained at the crash site until 4am on Thursday morning, and are ready to provide further assistance if necessary.

The Ministry of Defence has declined to release further details of the RAF and army crew involved in the crash, saying that next of kin were still being informed.