No criminal action over helicopter crash

A fatal accident inquiry will be held into the Clutha tragedy but there is “insufficient evidence” for criminal proceedings, prosecutors have said.

Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed on to the roof of the Clutha pub in Glasgow in November 2013.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said in a statement: “The investigation into the Clutha helicopter crash has reached a significant stage and Crown Counsel ...have formally instructed a fatal accident inquiry be held.

“Following submission of a detailed report by the Helicopter Team, Crown Counsel have also concluded that there is insufficient evidence available to justify instructing criminal proceedings.”

The statement continues: “In coming to this decision, Crown Counsel have considered the evidence available, and the recommendations of the inquiry team, and an assessment of what information may reasonably become available in the future has also been taken into account.

“Crown Counsel have instructed that the appropriate form of proceedings at this stage is an inquiry into the deaths of all who lost their lives.

“The Crown reserves the right to raise criminal proceedings should evidence in support of that course of action become available to prosecutors.”

Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha pub in Glasgow in 2013. Picture: PA.