The body of a Maidstone-born soldier killed in a suspected friendly fire incident has been returned to the UK today.

Lance Cpl Michael David Pritchard of the 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, was killed in Afghanistan on December 20.

He was killed as a result of small arms fire in the Sangin area, in central Helmand Province.

Lance Cpl Pritchard's family has paid tribute to the 22-year-old: "With great sadness we say goodbye to our beloved son, a lover of life who has lived life to the full and has brought great joy to all those who are lucky enough to know him. A light that shines brightly, our precious son, brother, grandson, boyfriend and special friend to all, we are very proud of you in all that you have done and achieved and you will always be in our hearts now and evermore. God bless our darling boy from all of your family and friends."

2nd Lieutenant Tom Foulkes-Arnold, Platoon Commander, 3 Platoon, said: "Pritch has spent a good deal of time with 3 Platoon through Pre Deployment Training to the Upper Sangin Valley. As such he was an obvious choice to join us as we set up a new patrol base.

"He showed a fantastic ability to blend in with the Platoon and from day one he was not simply "an Attachment". Pritch was utterly professional in all aspects of his work and was an excellent embodiment of both a Royal Military Policeman and a Rifleman."

The bodies of Lance Corporal Christopher Roney of 3rd Battalion The Rifles and Tommy Brown of the Parachute regiment were also flown into RAF Lyneham this morning.