A tour helicopter carrying five Italian tourists has collided with a small plane over the Hudson River near Manhattan in New York.

Authorities believe all nine people on board both aircraft were killed in Saturday's accident.

So far two bodies have been recovered in the water. Police say the search for bodies and debris will probably continue for a few days. In addition to the five Italians, the pilot of the helicopter and three people on the plane were also killed.

Officials say the plane took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, and the helicopter was owned by Liberty Tours.