Husband's tribute to servicewoman

Flt Lt Mulvihill's husband said she was "highly loved"

The husband of the first British woman killed in action in Iraq has said his "beloved" wife was "extremely proud" to be part of the Royal Air Force.

Flt Lt Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill, 32, based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, was among five British personnel killed when their helicopter crashed on Saturday.

Her husband Sgt Lee Mulvihill, also of the RAF, described her as his "best friend and most beloved wife".

Originally from Kent, he said she was also an "adored daughter and sister".

Sgt Mulvihill added that his wife, a Flight Operations Officer, was "highly loved and respected" by all who knew her.

"Her loss has greatly affected and impacted on more people than anyone can comprehend."

Flt Lt Mulvihill was on her second deployment to Iraq when the Lynx helicopter she was travelling in crashed in Basra.

Inquiry under way

Four other British service personnel were killed when the aircraft came down.

Defence Secretary Des Browne has not commented on whether it was shot down by enemy action, but said a detailed Royal Military Police investigation and a full Board of Inquiry was under way.

Among the dead was Wing Cdr John Coxen - the most senior British officer killed in action in Iraq.

The 46-year-old, originally from Liverpool, was also based at RAF Benson.

The others were pilots Lt Cdr Darren Chapman, 40 and Cpt David Dobson, 27, along with gunner Paul Collins, 21, all stationed at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.