Firm pays tribute to Afghan guard

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The private security firm a County Londonderry man was working for when he was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday has paid tribute to him.

Compass Security said Stuart Murray, 40, from Ballykelly, would be escorted home to NI by one of its managers and "several of his closest colleagues".

In a statement they said Mr Murray was held in "high regard by his team and all those who knew and worked with him".

Mr Murray died in an ambush in Herat.

The statement from Compass Security added: "This is a tragedy for Stuart's family and we extend them our deepest sympathies.

"Stuart was repatriated to Kabul with the assistance of the international military force in Afghanistan and he will be escorted home to Northern Ireland by a senior Compass manager and several of his closest work colleagues.

"The Compass team is a tight-knit family of highly-trained professionals like Stuart Murray.

"Our teams work in difficult circumstances doing vital work on behalf of the international community and we are extremely proud of their contribution to nation building in Afghanistan.

"Stuart in particular was held in very high regard by his team and by all those who knew and worked with him. He will be greatly missed.

"The thoughts of all at Compass are with Stuart's family and we will do everything we can to support them through this difficult time."

Mr Murray, a former Royal Irish Regiment soldier had served for 21 years in the Army. He was working in Afghanistan for the second time.

His widow, Sheena Murray, said he was preparing to leave the country to see his family when he was killed.

Mr Murray was a serving member of the Territorial Army in Northern Ireland and held the rank of Staff Sergeant.