Friend of CPL Steven Boote speaks out

A family friend of murdered Military Police Corporal Steven Boote has paid an emotional tribute to the man she will never forget.

Cpl Boote, 22, was with his Royal Military Police unit in Afghanistan training members of the local police force, when a rogue Afghan recruit opened fire with his AK47.

The Taliban rebel named Gulbuddin, immediately fled the scene of the attack in lawless Helmand province, and is now being hunted down by British SAS Commandos.

He was shot in cold blood as he ate lunch, along with colleagues Sgt Matthew Telford, Sgt Major Darren Chant, Guardsman James Major, and Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith.

Close friend Pamela Mullin revealed Steven's parents believe troops should STAY in Afghanistan and complete the mission they set out to achieve.

Pam said: "Everyone says we should pull our soldiers out, but his dad thinks that if we pull out now all the 230 soldiers who have died, including Steven, would have died in vain.

"The family want the soldiers to stay in Afghanistan to complete their mission.

"We see death every day on the news, but once it happens close to home you realise the severity of war, but Steven was very proud of being in the army."

Pam also revealed that Steven's parents Anthony and Margaret are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their only son.

She added: "Steven's dad is very much in shock and he is not coming to terms with it yet.

"He is in shock, it hasn't hit him yet but the mother is very upset.

"It's extremely difficult because he was her only son. Steven was her life, he was all she ever talked about.

"Growing up he was a very well liked, polite young man, never hung out on the streets like some do.

"It had gone through his mind to join the army, he originally wanted to join the police force.

"He was cheeky, always playing practical jokes on people, once anyone met him they never forget him.

"He was just a fun loving lad who loved life and lived it to the full.

"He was very proud of being in the army and he was always going around with a smile on his face.

"All the family and friends are rallying round and supporting each other.

"His mum wasn't the same when he went to Afghanistan and he was only there for four weeks.

"It will take her time to get through, but she has plenty of friends to help her cope with the loss."

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