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Royal Anglian killed 'unlawfully' | Royal Anglian killed 'unlawfully' |
(9 minutes later) | |
A soldier was killed by a large roadside bomb while returning from a supply mission in Afghanistan, an inquest has heard. | A soldier was killed by a large roadside bomb while returning from a supply mission in Afghanistan, an inquest has heard. |
Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, 22, a sniper in The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in the attack in Helmand province on 25 July, last year. | Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, 22, a sniper in The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in the attack in Helmand province on 25 July, last year. |
L/Cpl Hawkins was from Dereham. He joined Army Cadets in the Norfolk town. | L/Cpl Hawkins was from Dereham. He joined Army Cadets in the Norfolk town. |
The inquest, held in Norwich, recorded a verdict of unlawful killing while on active military service. | The inquest, held in Norwich, recorded a verdict of unlawful killing while on active military service. |
L/Cpl Hawkins had been in the Royal Anglians for four years, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. | L/Cpl Hawkins had been in the Royal Anglians for four years, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
'Large explosive device' | 'Large explosive device' |
He was part of a convoy which had been delivering rations to a small forward base in Helmand province when his armoured vehicle was blown up by a bomb. | He was part of a convoy which had been delivering rations to a small forward base in Helmand province when his armoured vehicle was blown up by a bomb. |
L/Cpl Hawkins died from head and neck injuries a short time later, post-mortem tests found. | L/Cpl Hawkins died from head and neck injuries a short time later, post-mortem tests found. |
Coroner William Armstrong said: "What happened in detail cannot be established, except to say there was a large device under the vehicle. | Coroner William Armstrong said: "What happened in detail cannot be established, except to say there was a large device under the vehicle. |
One of the most promising soldiers of his generation Lt Col Stuart Carver | |
"Clearly the explosion and the tragic death of Alex came as a result of a large explosive device, effectively blowing up the vehicle, and causing his death." | "Clearly the explosion and the tragic death of Alex came as a result of a large explosive device, effectively blowing up the vehicle, and causing his death." |
The inquest heard the explosive left a large crater in front of the vehicle. | The inquest heard the explosive left a large crater in front of the vehicle. |
The vehicles were driven along a route they had also taken the day before the tragedy, the inquest heard. | The vehicles were driven along a route they had also taken the day before the tragedy, the inquest heard. |
After the inquest, Sgt Maj Ian Robinson read a statement on behalf of L/Cpl Hawkins' family. | After the inquest, Sgt Maj Ian Robinson read a statement on behalf of L/Cpl Hawkins' family. |
He said: "They welcome the finding that Alex was killed as a result of enemy action last year. | He said: "They welcome the finding that Alex was killed as a result of enemy action last year. |
"He died doing a job he loved, surrounded by his friends. He was an outstanding soldier for the short time he was with us and had an outstanding future ahead of him." | "He died doing a job he loved, surrounded by his friends. He was an outstanding soldier for the short time he was with us and had an outstanding future ahead of him." |
Immediately after the tragedy, Lt Col Stuart Carver described L/Cpl Hawkins as "one of the most promising soldiers of his generation". | Immediately after the tragedy, Lt Col Stuart Carver described L/Cpl Hawkins as "one of the most promising soldiers of his generation". |