Tributes were paid last night to a "fantastic husband" who was killed by an explosion in Afghanistan. Royal Marine Corporal Christopher Harrison, 26, from Taunton in Somerset, died on Sunday while on foot patrol in Sangin, Helmand province. He served with B Company, 40 Commando, Royal Marines.

His wife, Rebecca, said: "This is the most devastating news of my life. I have lost the most fantastic husband I could ever have wished for. Even though I knew and fully supported what Chris did as a Royal Marine and the dangers he was facing, I am still broken by his loss. Chris was my life, he was my motivator and my inspiration, my rock, the one person with whom I shared everything."

The Marine's death brings the British death toll since operations began in 2001 to 285. His parents, Martin and Gill, said they were extremely proud of his achievements. "We have lost a wonderful and loving son and brother who was devoted to Becky, his wife, and all of his family. He was an outstanding young man with qualities way beyond his young years."

The MoD would not confirm whether Cpl Harrison was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED), but said he died while leading Marines to disrupt an "insurgency threat".