Injured RIR soldier returns home

Ranger David Pepper was injured in Helmand

A Londonderry soldier injured in a Taleban ambush in Afghanistan last month has returned home.

Ranger David Pepper of the Royal Irish Regiment sustained arm and back injuries in the roadside bombing in Helmand province.

He said he and his colleagues were lucky to be alive.

"The only thing that probably saved the guys in my vehicle is that it's an open-top vehicle so the blast had somewhere to go," he said.

"I don't know what it was, probably a piece of the vehicle when it exploded, went into my arm and left a big gash about an inch long and the force as well, it damaged my back," Ranger Pepper added.

"Everybody involved in my incident is very lucky to be here."

Five other RIR soldiers were injured in the attack which happened in mid-July.