A SUFFOLK-based airman was killed after getting out of a vehicle to inspect an “improvised” explosive, it has been revealed.

Dave Gooderham

A SUFFOLK-based airman was killed after getting out of a vehicle to inspect an “improvised” explosive, it has been revealed.

Military chiefs at RAF Lakenheath have today revealed initial details surrounding the death of 30-year-old staff sergeant, Phillip Myers, who was stationed at the American base.

Staff Sgt Myers died in the blast - caused by an “improvised explosive device” - while serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The USAF base said the device was found and reported by coalition forces and Staff Sgt Myers was part of the team called to the area to make the explosive safe on Saturday.

But after he left his vehicle, the device detonated killing Sgt Myers in front of shocked military colleagues. No other servicemen were injured in the blast.

A spokesman for the base said no more details of the incident would be released until an investigation was concluded.

Staff Sgt Myers was last year named as the Air Force Civil Engineering Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year and was described as a “dedicated warrior and valued patriot”.

He was an Air Force explosive ordnance disposal craftsman assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Kandahar Airfield.

Sgt Myers is survived by his wife, who declined to comment about the incident, his two children and mother, father and brother. A memorial in his honour will be held on Thursday morning at the Suffolk military base.