Soldiers killed in Afghanistan named

Two British servicemen who were shot dead by members of the Afghan police force in Helmand on Saturday were named by the Ministry of Defence today.

Lance Corporal Lee Thomas Davies, 27, from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was killed alongside Corporal Brent John McCarthy, 25, of the Royal Air Force at a patrol base in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

The servicemen were providing security for a meeting with local officials when two people wearing Afghan police uniforms opened fire.

Today, the family of Cpl McCarthy released a statement which read: "Brent was a loving, sensitive young man.

"He excelled at sport and had the whole world in front of him.

"He loved his family dearly and will always be a hero to his niece Miajay. Brent will be sadly missed, not only by us but also by his loving partner Sarah and her devoted family.

"Life will never be the same for any of us. We will love you always. God bless."

Cpl McCarthy and L/Cpl Davies were attending a meeting as part of a Police Advisory Team at the local Afghan Uniformed Police headquarters near Patrol Base Attal at the time of the attack.

The pair came under small arms fire, during which both were fatally injured.

It is thought that two assailants were responsible for the attack.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond paid tribute to the pair.

He said: "I send out my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Corporal Brent McCarthy and Lance Corporal Lee Davies, whose lives were cut tragically short by a cowardly act of aggression.

"Both servicemen were performing an invaluable role, training and mentoring Afghan police, helping to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a place from which international terrorists can launch attacks on our society.

"Their sacrifice will not be in vain and we will never forget them."

PA