ARMY chiefs have named the Suffolk-based airman who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday as 20-year-old Kinikki “Griff” Griffiths.

The RAF Honington based gunner - a member of Number 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment - died in a vehicle accident close to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province.

He joined the RAF in February last year after passing out as “Best Shot” and was due to celebrate his 21st birthday next month.

Tributes have been paid to Gunner Griffiths, who was serving as part of the Camp Bastion Force Protection Wing, when he was killed.

Wing commander Paul Weaver Smith, commanding officer Bastion Force Protection Wing, said: “Senior aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths tragically died whilst on vehicle patrol within the Bastion Joint Operating Base area of operation, just short of his twenty-first birthday. Kinikki was the consummate professional gunner and, even at this early stage, had much promise; he will be sorely missed by all who knew him in the RAF Regiment.

“Kinikki was serving his country by protecting a key UK operating base and he died whilst ensuring the security of others and enabling airpower. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and girlfriend at this very difficult time.”

Gunner Griffiths was planning to complete pre-parachute selection training on his return from Afghanistan with a view to eventually serving with the UK Special Services.

For the full story see Monday’s East Anglian Daily Times.