The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Two people are dead after a police helicopter linked to violent counter-demonstrations involving white supremacists and anti-Nazi fascists in Charlottesville, Virginia, crashed and exploded into flames.

The two pilots were the only people on board the aircraft when it went down in a wooded area south-west of the city.

A photo posted online purported to show the wreckage in a ball of flames, while other images showed smoke billowing into the air and part of the helicopter stuck in a tree.

A witness said the helicopter spiralled to the ground after it stalled and went out of control.

People who live near the scene told the Daily Progress that the helicopter hovered low over houses before crashing.

(Image: twitter)

Local media reported that it was a Virginia State Police helicopter, a Bell 407, and that it had crashed near a golf course.

Witness Emma Eisner, who captured video of smoke rising into the air, wrote on Twitter: "To everyone asking about the helicopter crash: it basically started stalling, spiraled down to the ground & lost control ."

Police said the helicopter that crashed was not the same helicopter that had been seen earlier in the day circling over the counter-demonstrations involving white supremacists and anti-Nazi activists.

Authorities did say that the aircraft was linked to the demonstrations, but did not explain how, local media reported.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller did not confirm who owned the aircraft but eyewitnesses claim the helicopter belonged to the VSP and was seen flying above protesters earlier Saturday afternoon.

The helicopter went down at about 5pm local time seven miles from Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, and away from the site of the protests where one person was killed and 34 others injured.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Virginia State Police said: "Shortly before 5pm today, a helicopter crashed into a wooded area near a residence on Old Farm Road.

"There are two confirmed fatalities.

"No one on the ground was injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: Getty Images North America)

Violent scenes erupted earlier when white supremacists protesting plans to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee clashed with anti-Nazi activists.

Fights broke out and amid the tension a car ploughed into a crowd, killing one person and injuring 19.

The horrific incident was captured on camera, showing people being thrown into the air and receiving help on the floor in the aftermath.

(Image: Anadolu) (Image: Anadolu) (Image: Anadolu) (Image: Getty Images North America)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency and halted the rally, and President Donald Trump condemned the violence.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Singer urged protesters to go home.

White supremacists chanted "You will not erase us" and anti-fascist demonstrators carried signs reading "Nazi go home" and "Smash white supremacy".