Commanding officer hails dead soldier as 'complete package'

A CITY-BASED soldier who was killed by a blast in Afghanistan was hailed by comrades as "the complete package".

Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper, 21, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles – based at Edinburgh's Redford Barracks – was killed in an explosion as he tried to clear a path in in northern Helmand on Sunday.

His parents, Karl and Caroline Cooper, said in a statement: "A caring son, brother and partner. He was not just a brother but a best friend who will be sadly missed by all that knew him."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles Battle Group, said: "Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper was one of the great characters of the Battalion; his sense of humour and zest for life were topped only by his ability and determination."