A security guard killed in a terrorist attack by the Taliban has been named as former Kent resident Luke Griffin.

The 33-year-old was one of five G4S employees who lost their lives while defending a compound in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Originally from Tunbridge Wells, it is understood Mr Griffin had previously served with 16th Regiment Royal Artillery in the war-torn country.

The family of the father-of-one, who had moved to Rainhill in Merseyside, was killed on Wednesday.

Managing director of the G4S Risk Management Group, Charlie Burbridge paid tribute to Luke and the four other workers who died in the attack saying: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that five of our employees were killed and 32 were injured, five of them seriously, in an unprovoked, criminal attack on one of our compounds in Kabul.

"Next of kin have been informed and our thoughts at this difficult time are with the loved ones of those who have died and been injured, and our brave team in Afghanistan who have lost colleagues and friends. We are offering support and counselling to all of those affected.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the British Embassy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British and Afghan armed forces, other NATO forces and other private security companies who have all assisted us as we ensure our operations in Kabul are secure and continue safely.

"We are committed to our security role in support of the people of Afghanistan, and we are determined that incidents such as this will not prevent the vital work that the international community conducts from continuing."