A bomb disposal soldier who died in Afghanistan earlier this year was killed unlawfully, an inquest has ruled.

Captain Daniel Read, who grew up in Gillingham, was serving as a high-threat improvised explosive device disposal operator when he was killed on January 11.

An inquest into his death was held in Truro, Cornwall, where Capt Read lived with his wife Lou. The coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing while in active service.

Capt Read was a former pupil of Rainham Mark Grammar School and Byron Primary School in Gillingham.

He joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1996, when he was just 16. He later joined the Royal Logistic Corps, where he trained as an Ammunition Technical Officer.

Capt Read was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in October.