Tributes Paid To Yorkshire Soldier

10 January 2013, 09:15 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The family of a Leeds-born soldier shot dead by a member of the Afghan National Army has paid tribute to the "proud, patriotic man''.

Sapper Richard Reginald Walker - a member of 28 Engineer Regiment attached to 21 Engineer Regiment - was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Monday.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the "insider attack'', which occurred at Patrol Base Hazrat.

The 23 year old has left behind a young daughter, Lilly-Faith.

He was described as an avid football fan who quickly gained friends across the spectrum of ranks.

His family paid tribute to their son and brother in a statement, which read:
"Richard held two things close to his heart - his daughter and his colleagues in the Army.

A proud, patriotic man, he died doing a job he loved, supporting his friends.''

He was killed as he worked on a construction task with other military engineers as part of preparations to hand the camp over to Afghan security forces.

The Afghan soldier opened fire on international and ANA troops, killing Sapper Walker and injuring six others.

They were all taken to the Bastion Role 3 medical facility, where Sapper Walker was pronounced dead.