A Zimbabwean military helicopter has crashed into a house killing a child and all three crew members.

An air force statement said the accident took place on Friday in the village of Acturus 30km (20 miles) east of the capital, Harare.

The child’s mother and another young girl were taken to hospital with burn injuries.

The air force said it was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and said the cause of the crash would be investigated.

The Zimbabwean government has in the past complained that it has not been able to acquire new aircraft and spare parts due to sanctions imposed by Western countries over rights violations.