A pilot who was killed in a plane crash in Ireland with a seven-year-old boy is thought to be from Staffordshire.

Niall Bowditch and youngster Kacper Kacprzak died in some bogland in County Offaly when the Cessna aircraft they were in came down on Sunday, May 13, reports StokeonTrentLive

The plane had been carrying 16 parachutists, including Kacper's father – a Polish national living in Dublin, who all took part in a scheduled jump earlier in the flight.

Mr Bowditch, whose relatives were due to travel to Ireland yesterday, May 15, was in his 40s and is believed to be from Staffordshire.

Now a GoFundMe page has been set up to support the families of the two victims.

The two people killed were on a light aircraft. Illustrative picture

On the page, a tribute from Irish Parachute Club member Allaiouti Hassan read: "We are heartbroken by the loss of two cherished members of our family at the Irish Parachute Club, little Kacper, son of our dear friend and fellow skydiver Kris, and Billy, a true gentlemen and a thoughtful and great pilot.

"This is a difficult time for us all. I know that our skydiving family and the wider community want to come together and do what we can to support the families affected by this tragic accident.

"I myself have a son the same age as Kacper who loves planes. Having met Kacper at the club I know he was such a beautiful boy who would touch anyone's heart. Please everyone let's support their families at this tragic time."

The flight had taken off from Clonbullogue Airfield at 2.45pm BST on May 14. Ireland's Air Accident Investigation Unit is continuing to examine the crash site.