Four killed in helicopter crash in Houston, Texas

Four people, including a child, have been killed in a helicopter crash in Texas on Sunday evening,

Authorities in Houston say the R44 helicopter struck a radio tower just before 8pm local time in the city's Second Ward area, to the east of the city's business district.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

The helicopter is believed to have taken off from Ellington Field, about 15 miles away.

A Houston City Council member, Mario Castillo, said the aircraft was "a private touring helicopter", and not owned by the Houston Police Department.

Local media reported that a large number of emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Police and fire officials have urged residents near the crash site to call emergency services if they find anything on their property that could help their investigation.