OFFICERS from West Midlands Police have launched a criminal investigation after the force helicopter was targeted in an arson attack this morning.
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.
The front end of the helicopter appears to have been set on fire. The damage to the aircraft is currently being assessed.
An investigation was immediately launched. Forensic scene investigators and detectives have been working since the incident to establish what happened. Officers are working in conjunction with airport security and fire service.
Enquiries are ongoing into the fire, if anyone has any information about the incident they should contact police on 0845 113 5000.
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.