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A British mum has been killed in a Russian drone strike while travelling to Ukraine for an aid mission - and her devastated family said they do not have her body.

Annie Lewis Marffy, 69, was killed by a Russian strike while in the Donbas region in June, according to local police. The Brit's family said they have been living in limbo since because the 69-year-old's body was never recovered. Annie, from Silverton, near Exeter, told her family she crossed into Ukraine on June 4, texted them on June 5 and spoke to her son on June 8, but then wasn't heard from again.

Her heartbroken family said they have been battling to get a death certificate issued for Annie and have pleaded to authorities for help. Her loved ones added that they could not grieve her death or start the probate process without the document.

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The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was supporting the family but added that it was down to Ukrainian authorities to issue Annie's death certificate.

Annie's devastated son Charlie Lewis Marffy, speaking to the BBC, said his mum travelled to Ukraine on a self-funded mission organised by Aid Ukraine - a charity based in Ukraine.

Charlie said: "She was brave, capable and determined, but we never wanted her to go. We were worried."

Annie drove to Poland in late May with a former soldier for the aid mission, but he returned home after becoming ill. The 69-year-old carried on her journey into the warzone on her own.

Lewis said: "She was in touch with us every day. She spoke to my youngest brother constantly. She was excited, happy to be doing something meaningful."

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