A soldier killed in Afghanistan, possibly through friendly fire, has been named as Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard, originally from Maidstone.

LCpl Pritchard, of the 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police, was killed as a result of small arms fire near Sangin, Helmand Province on December 20.

An investigation has been launched in Afghanistan to find out if he was killed by friendly fire, but a conclusion is not expected until the inquest.

LCpl Pritchard, 22, was born in Maidstone on January 11 1987, but soon moved to Eastbourne.

After leaving education he enlisted into the Adjutant General's Corps in July 2007 was later posted to 160 Provost Company, 4th Regiment Royal Military Police, in Aldershot as a General Police Duties Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

He arrived in Afghanistan in October attached to 4th Battalion The Rifles as part of Operation Herrick, trying to bring security to one of the more Taliban-infested parts of Afghanistan.

His comrades said Mike "Pritch" Pritchard loved to laugh and joke and this is how he should always be remembered.

LCpl Pritchard's family said in a statement: "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."

Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, Commanding Officer, 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police said: "Lance Corporal Pritchard had only been in the Royal Military Police since July 2007 but he very quickly made a huge impact on all of us.

"He was a professional and robust soldier and one who was both physically and morally courageous. He was absolutely committed to providing policing advice where it mattered most, alongside his Infantry colleagues on patrol and as part of the team.

"A cheeky chap, whose laughter was infectious, and whose sincerity and generous spirit touched the lives of many, Lance Corporal Pritchard made us smile every day and we will miss him very much."

In inquest will be heard into LCpl Pritchard's death at a later date.