KANDAHAR (BBC) - Fourteen British service personnel have died after their aircraft crashed in Afghanistan, the MoD has said.

Twelve RAF personnel, a Royal Marine and an army soldier were among those who died in the crash in the southern province of Kandahar.

The aircraft belonged to NATO-led international force against the Taleban.

UK Defence Secretary Des Browne said "all indications are that this was a terrible accident".

He added: "This is dreadful and shocking news. I know that the people of Britain will join me in sending our deep condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives. "I can say, however, at this stage all the indications are that this was a terrible accident and not the result of hostile action."

An International Security Assistance Force spokesman said "enemy action had been discounted at this stage". It is believed the cause of the crash was "a technical fault"'

The BBC's Roland Buerk in Afghanistan said it was thought the aircraft was "some kind of troop transporter".

The defense analyst, Major Charles Heyman, told BBC News 24: "It's a black day. It's a disaster for our soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan. "No other words can describe it. It's a big hit to morale. Believe me it really does affect morale."

The crash brings the death toll of UK forces personnel in Afghanistan to 36 since the start of operations in November 2001.