THE family of a County Durham soldier shot dead by a man wearing Afghan police uniform said last night he died among friends, doing a job he wanted to do.

Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter, who lived with his parents in Consett, and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar, from Nepal, were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

The soldiers, both from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, were attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines, and were attending a meeting with Afghan uniformed policemen inside Checkpoint Prrang in the southern area of Nahr-e Saraj when one of the men opened fire.

The “green-on-blue” attack brings the number of British servicemen killed by Afghan soldiers or police to 11 this year.

Lt Drummond-Baxter, 29, was on his first tour of Afghanistan and had only been deployed on September 30.

He leaves behind his mother, Helen, father, David and sister, Emily.

In a statement issued through the Ministry of Defence, his family said: "Edward was fiercely loyal and totally sincere to his parents, sister and many friends who are mourning him today both in the UK and around the world.

“He loved the Gurkhas and died among friends doing the job that he wanted to do. Helen and David would appreciate being left to grieve in private."

The MoD described Lt Drummond-Baxter as an excellent platoon commander, who always put his soldiers first.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Robinson said: "Our battalion has lost a character, a true gentleman and an inspirational leader.

“Edward or 'DB', as he was often known, was one of life's true personalities; his Gurkha soldiers noticeably responded to his dedication to them but also to his great wit and humour. They would follow him anywhere.

"He was also utterly courageous and had already proved himself such a calm and steady leader under fire that his men knew they were in the best of hands.

“The tragedy of his loss is beyond words.”

Lt Drummond-Baxter was born in Peterborough, and after attending university, spent two years working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before joining the Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Jackson, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Royal Marines, said: "It is difficult in these few words to truly reflect how exceptionally talented Edward was, but I will say this: I am proud. I am proud to say that I knew him. I am proud to have served alongside him. I am proud to have had such a highly talented Gurkha officer serve as part of 40 Commando Group Royal Marines.”

L Cpl Kunwar, 28, from Pokhara, Nepal, was on his third tour of Afghanistan and leaves behind his parents, stepmother and five siblings.

Lt Col Robinson described him as a “great character and a tough, professional Gurkha soldier”.