Mother in tribute to soldier son

Sapper Rossi was killed while trying to clear improvised explosive devices

The mother of a UK soldier who died after an explosion in Afghanistan has paid tribute to her "fun-loving son".

Jordan Rossi, 22, of Baildon, West Yorkshire, was caught in the blast during a patrol in Helmand on Saturday.

His mother, Theresa, said: "He was a tremendous son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend. There will be a big void in all our lives."

The sapper, from 38 Engineer Regiment, was the second British serviceman killed near Sangin in two days.

Fusilier Petero "Pat" Suesue, 28, of Hounslow, west London, who served with the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died on Friday.

'Loved his job'

Sapper Rossi, who was supporting the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, Battle Group, was caught in an explosion the following evening while taking part in an operation to clear improvised explosive devices.

He was evacuated to the field hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Mrs Rossi said: "I have just lost my precious fun-loving son. He was doing a job he loved and was proud to be a soldier."

He made an instant and lasting impression on all those he met Major Eldon Millar

Colleagues described Sapper Rossi's ability to lift the spirits of those around him with his dry sense of humour.

Lt Col Roger Lewis, commanding officer of 38 Engineer Regiment, said: "He was blessed with an uncanny ability to bring out the best in others and will be sorely missed by all of us who were privileged to know him."

Maj Eldon Millar, officer commanding the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, said although Sapper Rossi was "full of pranks and fun", he was also "a man of character, courage, strength and loyalty".

"He made an instant and lasting impression on all those he met," he added.

'Like a brother'

Staff Sgt Chris Oldfield, Royal Engineer Search Advisor, described Sapper Rossi's "character, smile, wit and endless sarcasm", while L/Cpl Andrew Hodgson, of the Royal Engineer Search Team, remembered him as one of the "most loving, caring and sarcastic friends a soldier could ever wish for".

"I will always think of him as the brother I never had," he added.

Secretary of State for Defence John Hutton said it was clear from the tributes that Sapper Rossi was an "outstanding young soldier with an infectious sense of humour".

"He will be sorely missed and my thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this terrible time," he added.

A total of 161 UK service personnel have now been killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001.