THE Colchester-based soldier who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday has this afternoon been named.

Corporal Steven Dunn - of 216 Parachute Signal Squadron, part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, who are based at Colchester Garrison - was travelling in a vehicle when it was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the 27-year-old from Gateshead was involved in an operation to disrupt Taliban movement in the region at the time of his death.

In a statement his family said: “Steven was a loving husband to Cheryl, son to Vicky, and doting dad to Emily.

“He has left a huge hole in the lives of those he has left behind including his brothers Christopher and Michael.

“He will also be sorely missed by Kevin, an important person in his life and all his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

“He lived for the Army especially 216 Parachute (Signal) Squadron and worked hard to get his wings of which he was very proud, it was his first love after Cheryl and Newcastle United.

“We are all immensely proud of all that he achieved in his short life. He died doing a job he loved and excelled at.”

Major Alistair Fawcett, officer commanding 216 Parachute Signal Squadron, said: “At every turn he strove to improve the lot of his men. He was always in the thick of it and his time in Afghanistan was no exception; with a spark in his eye and his devilish Geordie sense of humour, he tackled his work with a sense of purpose and in the pursuit of making a difference.

“His support of the ‘Magpies’ was equally potent - a good man to share a beer with and an excellent barometer of unit life.

“He will be sorely missed and he leaves a void that will be extremely challenging to fill.

His untimely passing marks a black day in 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron’s proud history but he was not the timid type or one to shy away from the challenges that our profession presents.

“We have lost a gifted soldier and a son of the Squadron and, although this loss cuts extremely deep, we remember him with the utmost fondness, as the courageous and professional signaller he was.

“Our loss will be nothing compared to that of his family; at this extremely difficult time, the thoughts of the entire Squadron go to his new bride Cheryl, his young daughter Emily, and his family and close friends. Certa Cito.”