Family of Shropshire bomb blast soldier thanks wellwishers

The family of a Shropshire soldier killed in Afghanistan on Remembrance Sunday today expressed thanks for the enormous support they have received.

Ranger Aaron McCormick, 22, of the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, was caught in a bomb blast while out on patrol in the Nad'e Ali area of Helmand Province.

Tributes have poured in since the death of the solder who was originally from County Londonderry.

Ranger McCormick leaves his parents, two sisters, a brother and his girlfriend.

A family statement said: "At this very difficult time for our family, and indeed for the entire community in Macosquin, we want to express our thanks for the enormous support and help received since the terrible news of Aaron's death in Afghanistan.

"We are a very close family within a very close and supportive community and at this tragic time we all need time and space to deal with our loss."

Sympathies towards the family were expressed in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

David McClarty, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly member, said the victim's mother was actively involved in filling boxes to be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan.