Tributes to bomb expert

TRIBUTES were paid today to a "hugely popular" and "well respected" British Army bomb disposal expert shot dead in Afghanistan.

Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, 32, who was born in Edinburgh, died in a firefight with insurgents on Sunday. He leaves a wife, Heidi, and 16-month-old daughter, Holly.

A statement from his family said: "Jamie was a larger than life individual who was loved, loyal and loud. A wonderful son. He was a proud soldier, friend, brother, husband and Daddy."

Lieutenant Colonel David Southall, Royal Engineers, commanding officer counter-improvised explosive device task force, paid tribute to Cpl Kirkpatrick's "coolness" under pressure.