Killed marine 'was extraordinary'

Cpl Nowak was one of four personnel killed in the attack

The family of one of four British service personnel killed in southern Iraq have paid tribute to an "extraordinary young gentleman".

Corporal Ben Nowak lived in Speke, Merseyside, but holds dual nationality after being raised in Australia.

He was one of four killed when a patrol boat was hit by an explosive device on the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Basra.

Grieving friends have been gathering at the home of his uncle Michael McEvatt since his death on Sunday.

The 27-year-old moved back to the UK for trials with Southampton Football Club at the age of 16, and often stayed with his uncle and his wife, Valerie.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr McEvatt, 48, told BBC News: "He was an extraordinary young gentleman.

There is just a pain in the middle of my chest and I can't get rid of it Michael McEvatt

"When we found out on Sunday evening within an hour there was 60 or 70 of his friends outside the door with their girlfriends and wives.

"Not a word was spoken, but there were so many words said in that silence. It was like everyone was supporting us.

"There is just a pain in the middle of my chest and I can't get rid of it."

Cpl Nowak joined the Royal Marines at the age of 18, where the super-fit commando continued to play football for Marine teams and was involved last year in training the youth squad of Everton FC.

Sporting ability

During his leave, Cpl Nowak spent some of his time in Speke, living with his uncle and aunt.

His cousin, Daniel McEvatt, described the soldier as being "like a brother to me" and spoke of how his football-loving cousin was proud of his sporting abilities.

He said: "He once nutmegged Matt Le Tissier, that was something he wouldn't let us forget."

Cpl Nowak's mother, Gillian Keary, has flown from Australia to Britain with her husband, Phil Keary, following the death of her son

Cpl Nowak's father, Jim Nowak, lives in Southampton.