RAF man and children die in fire

Corporal Greenough 'was known as a great family man'

The family of an RAF serviceman who died in fire with his two children in living quarters in Cyprus have spoken of their devastation.

RAF Corporal Andy Greenough, 37, from Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, died in the blaze with his five-year-old son Evan.

A third body is believed to be his daughter Nia, two.

The children's mother Eirlys was not in the house when the fire broke out. An investigation is under way into the cause of the blaze.

Mrs Greenough was on a social night out with other RAF wives and was traced by military police who broke the news. She returned home to see their quarters devastated in the blaze.

She was being comforted by family members who flew over to the RAF base in Cyprus, on Sunday.

He was a family man and they meant everything to him Corporal Greenough's sister Leanne

Cpl Greenough is believed to have watched Wales beat England on the television on Saturday night before the fire broke out.

His sister Leanne Connor said: "He was very patriotic, a proud Welshman and loved his rugby.

"He was a lovely guy, genuine and friendly, who doted on his two children. He was a family man and they meant everything to him.

"He just loved life. He was very rarely down about anything - he saw positive in everything."

She said the family were "devastated" by the tragedy, adding that her brother was due to have returned home to Wales for a couple of days in April before being posted to the Falklands.

"He was very much a character, He was larger than life. He loved fun, he loved life," she sad.

Third person

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said: "It is with deep regret that the MOD can confirm that a house fire at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on 17 March 2007 has tragically resulted in the death of RAF Corporal Andy Greenough, 37 and his son, Evan, aged 5.

"A third person was also killed in the fire. However, formal identification has not yet taken place. The cause of the incident is currently being investigated."

The spokesman added that everybody in the small RAF community was deeply saddened by the blaze which destroyed the house.

The spokesman also paid tribute to Mr Greenough adding that he had been strongly recommended for promotion in 2007.

His dedication and loyalty to his work were only surpassed by his love for his family and children. MoD spokesman

He added: "He was a committed member of the RAF for 17 years and was a popular and enthusiastic member of the community.

"His dedication and loyalty to his work were only surpassed by his love for his family and children.

"He was expected to be promoted to Sergeant in the near future. He has served in the Falkland Islands and during his time in Cyprus, he played an active role in supporting visiting Tornado squadrons.

"His son Evan was a beautiful, bubbly little boy, whose cheeky smile will be sadly missed by his classmates and teachers at Akrotiri Primary School.

"The whole of the British Forces Cyprus community has been deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies, are with the family and friends of Corporal Greenough at this most difficult time."

The Greenoughs had been married for nine years and it was their second tour in Cyprus.

The family had not been home to Six Bells, near Abertillery, South Wales, since last summer but were planning a trip next month.