Russia Helicopter Crash Kills Three, Including Two Britons

Two British fisherman were among three people killed in a helicopter crash in northern Russia today, according to reports.

The private Eurocopter crashed in the Murmansk region on the Kola Peninsula, according to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, the Associated Press reported.

The two men had just been dropped off by the helicopter when it banked on one side while attempting to take off and crashed into them.

News reports in Russia quoted local officials as saying a Russian and two British tourists died in the crash.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of reports of the deaths of two British nationals in Russia. We are in touch with the local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance."