An investigation has been launched into why a Lynx helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing five British service personnel.
The crash site, near Kandahar, has been cordoned off by investigators from the Military Aviation Authority.
The Taliban claimed its insurgents shot down the helicopter, but the Ministry of Defence denied this and said initial indications were a technical problem during the routine flight caused it to crash.
Experts have said the investigation will examine the aircraft's log books, weather conditions and whether the the helicopter was carrying out an authorised job in keeping with its capabilities.
Flowers left outside RAF Odiham in Hampshire A spokeswoman said: "The investigation is now under way, and the area of the crash has been cordoned off.
"We cannot go into further details. At this stage it is not known how long the investigation might last or when investigators will deliver their report, but it will be a thorough inquiry."
Three of the servicemen were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
A Royal Air Force serviceman also stationed at the base was among those killed, along with a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion.
Major General Richard Felton, commander of Joint Helicopter Command at RAF Odiham, said: "It is with the deepest sadness that I must confirm the death of five service personnel.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families at this most difficult time.
The aircraft went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar "The focus for the immediate future is to ensure that the families receive the support they need at this most difficult of times."
Next of kin for all five servicemen have been informed.
It is the third biggest single loss of life of British troops since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001. A total of 453 UK service personnel have been killed.
It comes after Prime Minister David Cameron said on Sunday his "heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed in this terrible tragedy".
He said: "Every British fatality is a source of deep sadness.
Lynx helicopters are deployed for a wide variety of operations "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."
Foreign Secretary William Hague told Sky News the deaths appeared to have been a "tragic accident".
He added: "It is a reminder of the work that our troops still do in Afghanistan."
Kandahar provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani said the helicopter went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar province, around 30 miles from the Pakistan border - and that it was not attacked by militants.
The helicopter involved was a Westland Lynx, an aircraft with a range of uses including transport and resupply.
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