Family hails Afghan soldier 'hero'

A soldier who died from wounds suffered in a shooting incident in Afghanistan has been described by his family as their "guardian angel" and "hero".

Captain James Townley, 29, from the Corps of Royal Engineers, died in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, in southern Afghanistan from wounds sustained while serving at forward operating base Shawqat on Friday.

His family said in a statement: "James was a wonderful, loving and caring son and brother. He was devoted to his girlfriend, Helen.

"He was our guardian angel and our hero. We were so proud of him. He touched every part of our lives and his loss has left a huge chasm that we can never fill.

"James will never be forgotten and always in our hearts and thoughts."

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Captain Townley's death was not thought to be the result of hostile action, though an investigation into the circumstances was continuing.

Capt Townley's death comes after 38-year-old Sergeant Jonathan Kups, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, (Reme) died on Friday at Camp Bastion.

The MoD said the death of Sgt Kups, who was from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was also not thought to be the result of hostile action, but that an investigation into the circumstances was continuing.

Capt Townley, who was born in Tunbridge Wells and grew up near Glastonbury, in Somerset, leaves parents Peter and Jacqui, his brother Nick, and girlfriend Helen. He was due to have turned 30 years old on Saturday.

He was on his third tour of Afghanistan and was described by colleagues as "unbelievably clever" and a person who combined "consummate professionalism" with a personable humorous and approachable character.