Five military personnel killed when their Lynx helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan were UK service members, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
They died when the aircraft crashed during a routine flight in Kandahar province yesterday, the MoD said.
Prime Minister David Cameron said today his "heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed in this terrible tragedy".
Three of the servicemen were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, while another was a Royal Air Force serviceman at the same base.
The fifth serviceman was a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion, based in London.
Mr Cameron said: " Every British fatality is a source of deep sadness. This latest incident, which has cost the lives of five UK service personnel, brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan.
"I cannot pay high enough tribute to each and every one of them for the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make."
The next of kin of all five servicemen have been informed of their deaths.
Major General Richard Felton, Commander Joint Helicopter Command, said: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm that five UK service personnel have been killed in this incident which, at this early stage, would appear to have been a tragic accident.
"Events like this, whilst mercifully rare, remind us of the risks our personnel face in their work in Afghanistan as we approach the conclusion of the combat mission later this year.
"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
Yesterday's incident brings the total number of UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan to 453.
Labour leader Ed Miliband said people across the UK would be saddened by the news and his thoughts were with the families, friends and colleagues of those killed.
He said: " This is a tragic and poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces in serving our country with bravery and distinction. I pay tribute to them and their continuing work in Afghanistan, elsewhere abroad, and here at home.
"I mourn with all those who have lost loved ones, their grief is shared by people right across Britain at this very sad time."
Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker added: "This tragic news from Afghanistan will cause great sadness to our Armed Forces personnel and to the entire country.
"On a day like today, the British people and our servicemen and women stand together as one. I send my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families of those killed."
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/afghan-copter-crash-victims-british-234552066.html
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