A ROYAL Navy airman from Kent who died in a helicopter accident in the Gulf at the weekend has been named as Lt Marc Lawrence whose family live at Westgate, near Margate.

Lt Lawrence, who was in his 20s, was with 849 Squadron operating from HMS Ark Royal when two Sea King helicopters collided early on Saturday Six British and an American died in the tragedy.

Lt Lawrence was based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall where many members of the public have been phoning with messages of condolence and flowers have been left at the gates.

Commanding Officer of RNAS Culdrose, Captain Mike Knowles, said: "I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and sympathy. Our thoughts remain with the families.

"Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is a busy place and we have much to do at present. The important task of providing aviation support to the ships, men and women in the front line goes on"