A ROYAL Marine from Pendle has been killed by a renegade Afghan soldier who tried to trick his way into a British base.

The 23-year-old marine, who we have not named at the request of his family, who are still contacting relatives, died on Monday when he was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier.

He was killed along with a colleague at the main entrance to Lashkar Gah Main Operating Base in Helmand province. Tributes have been paid to the marine who went to Colne Primet High School.

Janet Walsh, headteacher at Colne Primet High School, said: “He was a very popular pupil with plenty of friends.

“He was quite a strong character and knew what he wanted out of life. He didn’t follow the crowd but knew his own mind.

“We are all very sad to learn of his death.”

Lieutenant Gul Nazir is said to have arrived in an army vehicle with several men pretending to be assigned to guard a delegation of VIPs visiting the base.

But when he was challenged by guards and told to wait outside, he opened fire with an M16 semi-automatic rifle, killing both the marine and a soldier from the Adjutant General’s Corps, as well as wounding a third.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “This tragic news underlines how brave and courageous all the service men and women are.

“Like Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft from Earby he has paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting to keep peace in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: “His death is a tragic loss for the country and the borough, he has sacrificed his life for others and that should be protected.

“My thoughts are with his family.”

Mike Sutcliffe, welfare officer for the Royal British Legion Nelson and District branch, said it would offer his family its full support.

He said: “This is very tragic and it’s even more tragic when you think that he was killed by someone he was trying to help.

“I understand it was an Afghan soldier and these people realise he was there because the Government wants him to be there to help them get a better way of life.

“I feel very sorry and very sad. And we will be standing round his family, as and when they need us.”

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand Major Ian Lawrence said: "Sadly, I must report that a Royal Marine and a soldier from the Adjutant General's Corps were shot and killed by an Afghan National Army soldier at the main entrance to Lashkar Gah main operating base.

"The thoughts and condolences of everyone serving in the Task Force are with their families and friends."

Colne Primet High School will be holding a non-uniform day this week in his memory with all money going to the Help for Heroes charity.