Crew members of a Pave Hawk helicopter which was flying close to another aircraft which crashed at Cley are being offered 'extensive support', according to the US Air Force.

The four aircrew were the first on the scene, having been part of the same training exercise during which four aircrew died.

A spokesman from RAF Lakenheath's public affairs office said the crew were being looked after following the tragedy.

'USAF has an extensive support network for these airmen including chaplain services, psychologists and bereavement support.

'These support services will be available to the aircrew of the second helicopter and to all 48th Fighter Wing airmen and their families as the Liberty Wing grieves the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms,' he said.

The spokesman also said the base was unable to officially start a collection for the bereaved families of the dead aircrew, but had been directing people to a fund set up by base resident Caitlin Malone.

The fund, which had raised more than $23,000 in a day by yesterday afternoon, can be found at http://www.gofundme.com/64f4s8

Further fundraising efforts have been launched, including a cake sale by Holly Doering, from Red Lodge, which has already raised $600.

The base has warned those wishing to donate to be wary of scammers in the wake of the incident.

In a statement on its Facebook page, it said: 'The 48th FW Legal Office is investigating several sites claiming to be collecting contributions for the affected family members and cautions against making a donation unless you, the donating member, is absolutely certain of the validity of the organization and/or the website to which you are contributing.'