HEREFORD MP Paul Keetch has demanded to know when the UK's special forces will be provided with new Chinook helicopters.

He told the House of Commons on Wednesday: "The two men killed in Iraq were possibly in a Puma helicopter that was older than some of the personel it was carrying.

"When will the helicopters, the Chinooks, ordered by the previous Conservative government, for our special forces, be delivered for use by our special forces?"

The Prime Minister, paying tribute to the courage, dedication and service of the men who died, said it was too soon to say what caused the helicopter crash in Iraq on Tuesday, but promised a full investigation.

The names of those who died have not yet been announced.