Father-of-three killed by bomb

One of the four soldiers killed by a Taliban bomb in Afghanistan has been named as a nurse and SAS reservist in the Territorial Army from the Midlands.

Father-of-three Lance Corporal Richard Larkin, aged 39, from Cookley, near Kidderminster, was killed in Helmand Province earlier this week. The other three killed when their Snatch Land Rover was hit by the bomb were Intelligence officer Corporal Sarah Bryant, the first British woman to die in active service, Corporal Robert Reeve and Paul Stout.

They had been taking part in a planned operation east of Lashkar Gah when the vehicle was blown up.

Today, members of L/Cpl Larkin's family pinned a note to a glass panel at their home asking people to respect their wishes and let them grieve in peace.

L/Cpl Larkin leaves a wife Teresa and three children.

In a statement, issued through the MoD, the family said: "L/Cpl Richard Larkin was a beloved husband, father, son and brother, whose tragic and untimely death will be mourned by his family, friends and colleagues."

L/Cpl Larkin's death had worked for the past four years as a night charge nurse at Evesham Community Hospital in Worcestershire. He joined in June 2004 as an emergency nurse practitioner.

Sue Baker, matron, said: "We were all deeply saddened to hear of Richard's death. He was a highly skilled and knowledgeable nurse who was dedicated to patient-centred care and supporting his colleagues.

"He will be fondly remembered for his professionalism, his style and wit."

A friend from 23 SAS Regiment, who did not want to be named, said he had been planning to spend more time with his family after returning from Afghanistan.

"He wanted to spend time at home and see them grow up – now that won't happen. He loved his family."

Cpl Sean Robert Reeve, aged 28, of the Royal Signals, and Paul Stout, aged 31, have also been praised for paying the ultimate sacrifice.

The deaths of L/Cpl Larkin and the other soldiers bring the UK's death toll during a 10-day period to nine. Des Feely, aged 55, the father of Cpl Sarah Bryant, aged 26, from Cumbria, said: "Nothing seems to have changed since the days of Churchill's famous speech. Never have so many owed so much to so few."