A Colchester-based soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Iraq.

Lance Corporal James McCue of 7 Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, died on Wednesda

The 27-year-old came from Paisley in Scotland.

An MoD spokesman said the cause of the explosion is under investigation.

His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Mark Armstrong paid tribute to the soldier, who was single.

Lt Col Armstrong said: "He made a lasting impression on all of his colleagues."

Colchester MP Bob Russell said: "This is desperately sad news. Having come through a war with with the great fortune of no soldiers from Colchester Garrison dying in conflict, this is somehow more tragic that we should lose a brave young man in such circumstances."

Shadow defence secretary North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin said: "My heart goes out to his family who must have thought he would come back safely and how terribly, bitterly disappointed they must be.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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