THE Ministry of Defence has confirmed the names of the two RAF personnel who were killed when their Puma helicopter crashed near Catterick, North Yorkshire last night while taking part in a routine training exercise.

Group Captain Paul Lyall, Station Commander at RAF Benson, where the aircraft was based, said: "I can confirm that at 8.20 pm last night a Puma helicopter from 33 Squadron, Royal Air Force Benson crashed near Catterick whilst taking part in a routine training exercise.

"Of the 12 personnel on board, three were aircrew from Royal Air Force Benson and the nine rear passengers were soldiers from 1 Brigade, Infantry Training Battalion, Catterick.

"Tragically two fatalities were confirmed at the scene. All the next of kin have been informed.

"I can now confirm that the Royal Air Force personnel who were killed were, the aircraft's Captain, Flight Lieutenant David Oxer Hanson Sale and the aircraft's crewman Sergeant Phillip Anthony Burfoot.

"Both came from 33 Squadron, Royal Air Force Benson.

"Words cannot adequately express our grief at their loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families and loved ones at this time."

He said the cause of the accident is still unknown.

"A full investigation is now in progress," he said. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services and the service personnel who assisted at the crash site.

"As you can imagine, our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends and colleagues and I ask that you respect their need for privacy at this very difficult time."

Brigadier David Clements, of the Commandant Infantry Training Centre Catterick, said: "I can confirm that the nine Army personnel who were on board the Puma helicopter were from ITC Catterick.

"Eight recruits and one member of permanent staff were on a routine training exercise when the incident occurred.

"All were moved swiftly to hospitals within the region. At present three recruits are listed as very seriously ill with the remainder thankfully having incurred minor injuries.

"The next of kin of all have been informed, and are being given every assistance by Army personnel.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the staff and recruits involved at this tragic time. In addition I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the airmen who died.

"I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in the rescue operation including members of ITC Catterick who were exercising in the same area, and who demonstrated great courage in attending to survivors in the immediate aftermath of the crash.

"The police, ambulance and mountain rescue services all provided a superb response, and we are grateful for their exemplary actions."