Tributes paid to dead Marine

The partner of a Marine shot dead in a firefight has paid tribute to a man who "lived to be a hero and died a hero".

Lance Corporal Michael Taylor, 30, was the third of four Marines from 40 Commando fatally injured in as many days in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

Sonia Fleming said: "Michael you were my soul mate, you were the best loving partner and Dad anyone could have asked for. You lived to be a hero and died a hero. We are all extremely proud of you and always will be. Your legacy will live on through your three wonderful boys who will aspire to be just like you."

L/Cpl Taylor, from Rhyl, north Wales, was named just hours after a fellow Marine was killed in an exchange of fire. Their deaths follow those of Marines Paul Warren and Richard Hollington, who became the 300th British serviceman to die since the conflict began.

L/Cpl Taylor leaves behind his three sons Ethan, Wesley, and Charlton. Ethan, 13, said: "He was a great Dad and he did everything for us. He was always active and took us to football games, he was one in a million and I love him. Rest in Peace Dad. I will be thinking of you all the time."

Wesley, 11, said: "He was the best Dad I could have ever wished for."