Police have named the two men who died in an air accident in Shobdon.

Mark Christopher Taylor, aged 45, and Rex Antony John Paddock, aged 56, died as they attempted to land their microlight aircraft at the north Herefordshire airfield on Saturday afternoon.

Both men were from villages near Coleford in the Forest of Dean.

The Coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned this week.

Detective Inspector Martyn Barnes, from Hereford CID, led the early stages of the investigation, before formally handing over primacy to the Air Accident Investigation Board based at Farnborough, Hampshire on Sunday.

He said: "This is a very tragic case which is now being fully investigated by the AAIB. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families of these two flying enthusiasts as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

"In support of the AAIB, West Mercia Constabulary has appointed a Family Liaison Officer to offer the families support and assistance.

"There were several other microlight flyers present at Shobdon airfield who we believe took off shortly afterwards.

"Some of these pilots may well have seen the crash. I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet given their details to police to contact me as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact DI Martyn Barnes at Hereford CID on 0300 333 3000.