Family tribute to shot contractor

Paul McGuigan was soon to become a father for the second time

Relatives of a British security contractor shot dead in Iraq have described him as a "caring family man" who had everything to live for.

Paul McGuigan, 37, from Peebles-shire in the Scottish Borders, was killed on Sunday, along with Australian colleague Darren Hoare.

Another Briton, Danny Fitzsimmons, was later arrested, accused of shooting them during a squabble.

All three men were working for private security firm ArmorGroup.

Mr McGuigan had one son and was about to become a father for the second time.

In statement his family said: "We have been cruelly robbed of a loving, caring family man who had everything to live for.

"Paul doted on his son, aged five, from a previous marriage and was busy preparing for the imminent birth of his baby daughter with his fiancée and her daughter, aged 12.

He was a total people person, who would talk to anyone, help everybody and was always first to volunteer Statement from Paul McGuigan's former colleagues

"We are still struggling to come to terms with Paul's untimely death, which has left a gaping hole in our lives. He was a fine man, one of the best."

Mr McGuigan's fiancee, who did not give her name, described him as her "soulmate".

She said: "Our days together were filled with smiles and laughter. He couldn't wait for the birth of our daughter in a few weeks' time, she was to have been his little princess."

The former Royal Marine Commando travelled widely before joining ArmorGroup Iraq in 2003.

He was serving as a personal security detail team leader at the time of his death.

Body armour

His colleagues at ArmorGroup recalled how earlier in the Iraq conflict, he was shot by an insurgent sniper during an ambush.

The bullet lodged in his body armour plate, sending splinters into his back.

He kept the plate as a reminder of how close he had come to death.

His colleagues said in a statement: "After that he would always volunteer to be a rear gunner on the convoys - he set a great example of courage and bravery.

The contractor had served as a Royal Marine Commando in Iraq

"Paul always put others first. During a recent incident in Baghdad, two of the team on a task got into difficulties with their vehicle. They were about to have the vehicle impounded and the two guys had to accompany the police and vehicle.

"Paul went to help and within two minutes of his arrival, the police were talking about Manchester Utd, having a chat and helping the guys fix the vehicle.

"He was a total people person, who would talk to anyone, help everybody and was always first to volunteer. Paul, a complete gentleman, was a great father and family man."

Danny Fitzsimmons is in custody in Iraq and could face the death penalty if convicted of the murders.

His family, who are from Greater Manchester, have called for him to face trial in Britain.

Mr McGuigan attended Peebles High School before leaving the Borders town when he joined the Marines in 1990.

It is understood his father now lives in Ireland while his mother Corinne, who ran a travel agency, lives elsewhere in the Borders.

A fourth ArmorGroup employee, Arkhan Mahdi, was shot and wounded during the incident.