Telford lad is killed by rogue police

A 25-year-old airman from Telford was one of two British servicemen who were shot dead by members of the Afghan police force in Helmand, the Ministry of Defence said today.

Corporal Brent John McCarthy, of the Royal Air Force, was killed alongside Lance Corporal Lee Thomas Davies, 27, from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at a patrol base in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province.

The servicemen were providing security for a meeting with local officials when two people wearing Afghan police uniforms opened fire.

Corporal McCarthy, from Priorslee, leaves his father John, mother Sarah, sister Jodie, his partner Sarah and niece and nephew Miajay and Kyron.

In a statement, his family said: "Brent was a loving sensitive young man. He excelled at sport and had the whole world in front of him.

"He loved his family dearly and will always be a hero to his niece Miajay.

"Brent will be sadly missed not only by us but also by his loving partner Sarah and her devoted family.

"Life will never be the same for any of us. We will love you always. God bless," it added.

Corporal McCarthy and Lance Corporal Davies had been attending a meeting as part of a Police Advisory Team at the local Afghan Uniformed Police headquarters, near Patrol Base Attal, at the time of the attack on Saturday.

The pair came under small arms fire, during which both were fatally injured.

It is thought that two assailants were responsible for the attack.

Corporal McCarthy was born into a military family in Germany but has lived in Priorslee most of his life.

The former Lilleshall Primary School and Orleton Park School pupil joined the RAF police in 2008.

The Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond, said: "I send out my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Corporal Brent

McCarthy and Lance Corporal Lee Davies whose lives were cut tragically short by a cowardly act of aggression.

"Both servicemen were performing an invaluable role, training and mentoring Afghan police, helping to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a place from which international terrorists can launch attacks on our society. Their sacrifice will not be in vain and we will never forget them."

Paying tribute to Corporal McCarthy, Staff Sergeant Terrance Ferguson, who is also from Telford, said: "Coming from the same town, there was an immediate connection between Corporal McCarthy and me.

"His sharp sense of humour and enthusiasm for a bit of banter was always welcomed and was a breath of fresh air," he added.

"During his time under my command he acted with the utmost professionalism, respect and embodied all of the qualities of an outstanding service policeman.

"At this very difficult time I would like to extend my condolences to his family and loved ones and my thoughts are with them. Rest in peace my friend."

Corporal McCarthy was attached to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards as part of a mentoring scheme.