Soldier killed in Helmand named

Corporal Damian Lawrence was killed when a landmine exploded

A British soldier killed after stepping on a landmine in southern Afghanistan has been named by defence officials.

Cpl Damian Lawrence, 25, of the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, died on patrol in Helmand province on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said.

A second soldier was also hurt but his injuries are not life threatening.

Colleagues described the 25-year-old from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, as "a great comrade, trusted friend and accomplished soldier".

The soldiers had been on patrol with 40 Commando Royal Marines near Kajaki just before 0900 local time when the landmine exploded.

As an infantry soldier and junior commander, he was formidable Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey

The MoD said they were given medical treatment at the scene and then taken by emergency helicopter to Camp Bastion.

Cpl Lawrence had served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and twice in Afghanistan since joining the army in 1999.

He leaves behind his partner, Eve, and daughter, Jessica.

'Proud but heartbroken'

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, based at Weeton Barracks near Blackpool, said: "Every way you considered him, Cpl Lawrence was outstanding.

"To his partner Eve and his young daughter Jessica he was a loving partner and doting father. To his battalion, he was a great comrade and an accomplished soldier.

"Good company, a trusted friend, warm and blessed with an infectious sense of humour, he could mix with anyone, puncture any ego and lighten any mood.

"As an infantry soldier and junior commander he was formidable - able, determined, driving on, a man who knew what he wanted and who had a fine career ahead of him."

His mother, Alison Lawrence, described Cpl Lawrence as "a very special son", whose death had left her "very proud and heartbroken".

In a statement addressing his fellow troops in Afghanistan, she said: "I am proud as his mother to say he died doing what he loved.

"I still wear my support bracelet and will not remove it until each and every one of you return home where you belong."

Cpl Lawrence's death brings the number killed in operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 88.