Updated: 7.20am

At least five people were killed in a helicopter crash in New York City on Sunday.

Officials say the aircraft was flying over the East River with at least six people on board.

Video apparently taken by a bystander and posted on Twitter showed the moment Eurocopter AS350 went down.

The point of impact was near Roosevelt Island at about 7pm.

Officials say the pilot managed to free himself from the crash.

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