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| Marine killed in Helmand is named | Marine killed in Helmand is named |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A Royal Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on New Year's Eve has been named. | A Royal Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on New Year's Eve has been named. |
| Corporal Liam Elms, 26, from Wigan, died during a routine patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province. He was in the 45 Commando Royal Marines. | Corporal Liam Elms, 26, from Wigan, died during a routine patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province. He was in the 45 Commando Royal Marines. |
| His family said his death had left a "huge hole" in their lives. | |
| He is the 137th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 and the 12th Royal Marine to die in two months. | He is the 137th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 and the 12th Royal Marine to die in two months. |
| In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence, his family described him as a "true man's man". | |
| "Liam always strived to be the best, his proudest achievement was receiving his beloved green beret," they said. | |
| "Liam will leave a huge hole in our lives and he will always be missed." | |
| 'Brave serviceman' | |
| Speaking on Wednesday, Cdr Paula Rowe, spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Every death is tragic, yet at the turning of the year, with the celebration and hope it promises, this loss is all the harder to bear. | Speaking on Wednesday, Cdr Paula Rowe, spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Every death is tragic, yet at the turning of the year, with the celebration and hope it promises, this loss is all the harder to bear. |
| "All our thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues who will be devastated by his sacrifice." | "All our thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues who will be devastated by his sacrifice." |
| Royal Navy Captain Mark Windsor, spokesman for International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), of which the UK forces are part, said: "Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of this brave serviceman, particularly at this time of year. | Royal Navy Captain Mark Windsor, spokesman for International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), of which the UK forces are part, said: "Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of this brave serviceman, particularly at this time of year. |
| "This serviceman's life was taken while helping to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. | "This serviceman's life was taken while helping to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan. |
| "Isaf will continue to fight for the cause for which he made the ultimate sacrifice." | "Isaf will continue to fight for the cause for which he made the ultimate sacrifice." |