TRIBUTES have poured in for a “hugely popular” Suffolk soldier killed in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Acting corporal David Barnsdale, from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), died on Tuesday in northern Helmand province.

The 24-year-old, who was serving with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, was based at Rock Barracks, Woodbridge.

Cpl David Barnsdale, of Tring, Hertfordshire, was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while working on the construction of a new security check point.

He is the seventh Suffolk serviceman – and the 341st in the UK – to have been killed in the conflict since 2001.

In a statement, his family said: “David was a hugely popular guy, a fantastic son, grandson, brother, boyfriend and friend, who will be sorely missed.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Davis, commanding officer of Counter-IED, said: “Acting Corporal David Barnsdale, Dave to his friends, was a young, bright and incredibly likeable team leader.

“He embodied the finest traditions of a soldier, constantly displaying bucket loads of grit and determination; he was utterly professional but always with a dash of humility.”

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Bell, commanding officer of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said he had “boundless potential and the steely understated determination of a man you know you can rely on in difficult times”.

He added: “My overwhelming memory of acting corporal Barnsdale will be his irrepressible enthusiasm and no nonsense approach.”

The 33 Engineer Regiment is mainly based in Wimbish, Essex, but its newest sub-unit, 61 Field Squadron (EOD), is located at Rock Barracks.