The pilot and two passengers on board a private helicopter have died in the Mourne Mountains after it crashed yesterday en route from Co Fermanagh to southern England.
Investigators are continuing their examination of the crash site after the wreckage was located last night in the Mourne mountains.
The helicopter is believed to have taken off from the St Angelo airport in Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh and crashed at around 4pm at the Leitrim Lodge picnic area of the mountain range
Mountain rescue teams, the coastguard and air accident investigators were alerted when a member of the public reported seeing an aircraft in distress and the crash site was located near Hilltown.
The Agusta helicopter involved is believed to be able to hold eight people.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the community was finding it difficult to come to terms with the news.
"On behalf of the people of South Down and those I represent, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bereaved at this most tragic time," she said.
The isolated location of the crash is on boggy ground on a mountain between Hilltown and Rostrevor.
Sinn Fein MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said the helicopter was believed to have taken off from an airport in her constituency.
She said: "This is a shocking and tragic accident and my sympathies go out at this time to the families of those who have lost their lives.
Additional reporting: PA