British soldier shot dead in Afghanistan named by MoD

Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson spent eight years in the military police

A British soldier shot dead in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday has been named as Sergeant Robert Loughran-Dickson of 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police.

His family described the Aldershot-based 33-year-old, from Deal, Kent, as a "true hero".

There are currently 9,000 UK troops in Afghanistan - most are deployed in Helmand province where Sgt Loughran-Dickson was killed.

A total of 235 UK military personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

Sgt Loughran-Dickson entered the Army 12 years ago, before joining the Royal Military Police in 2001.

During his policing career, he worked in Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

'Beloved father'

This role was, according to the Ministry of Defence, his most satisfying in the military, giving crime reduction presentations, visiting schools and processing intelligence.

His family said of him: "Robert is a true hero in many ways, of whom the whole family are extremely proud. He gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved and was devoted to.

He was totally professional, easy company and was the first to volunteer for anything Lt Col Debbie Poneskis Royal Military Police

"A beloved father, son, brother and uncle. You lit up our lives and that light will stay bright forever."

His commanding officer Lt Col Debbie Poneskis said he was an "exceptional soldier".

"Prior to his deployment to Afghanistan, Sgt Loughran-Dickson was the local intelligence officer and a community policeman," she said.

"He excelled in this role, where his calm personable nature, dedication and commitment plus his consistent enthusiasm for the job, made him stand out.

"He was totally professional, easy company and was the first to volunteer for anything - whether it was helping his colleagues, attending community events out of hours or taking on additional tasks."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I was very saddened to learn of the death of Sgt Robert Loughran-Dickson, a military policeman with 12 distinguished years in the Army behind him.

"His commanders describe him as an exceptional soldier and I know his loss will be felt greatly amongst his colleagues and friends in the RMP.

"My deepest sympathies of course lay with Sgt Loughran-Dickson's family at this terrible time for them."