NATO forces in Afghanistan yesterday announced the nationalities of five people killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

The accident killed two British service members — identified by the British Ministry of Defence as RAF crew — two US personnel and a French civilian contractor.

An MoD spokeswoman said: “The incident is currently under investigation but we can confirm that it was an accident and not the result of insurgent activity.”

The Puma helicopter’s rotor reportedly became entangled in the cable of a tethered balloon.

Taliban guerillas attacked Afghan security forces in multiple locations in Ghazni province yesterday.

Insurgents began attacking police check points in Giro district at about 6.30am and sporadic gun battles continued throughout the day.

Militants also attacked the police station in Ghazni city from three different directions. Afghan army helicopters were deployed to the scene to support police.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the militant group had shut down the Kabul-Kandahar highway in Ghazni province.