A COURAGEOUS soldier based at Colchester Garrison has been killed in combat with Isis in Syria.

Sergeant Matt Tonroe has been named by the Ministry of Defence as the solider who was caught in a bomb blast on Thursday.

The 33-year-old was part of the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, in Colchester, and has been deployed previously to Afghanistan and the Middle East.

The Manchester-born solider has been described as by his colleagues as a “well-liked” member of the unit who will be “sorely missed”.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence said he relished responsibility, the opportunity to contribute and when the time came, to lead.

It said: “Matt was also a capable and respected parachutist. As a gifted instructor he was free with his time and his advice, and would dedicate himself to support and develop this skill in others.

“When talking of Matt, his colleagues recount his humour, mischief and endless endeavours.

“Laid back, but a consummate professional, Matt was utterly selfless and always strived to achieve excellence.”

It added Sgt Tonroe was very much a family man, loved by his mother Michelle, brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia.

He enlisted to the army in September 2004.

When he completed his training he joined the 3rd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment in Colchester where he served as part of the Sniper Platoon.

Sgt Tonroe’s Officer Commanding said: “If you had met Matt Tonroe, then you would have liked him.

“He bristled with the contentment of a life lived to its full.

“His bravery and talent as a solider, was matched by his compassion as a human being.

“He was an individual, with the courage to set his own course, and the perspective to see new possibilities at every turn.

“He was destined for great things in our unit; his leadership was both natural and apparently effortless. He is already missed.

“Without Matt, our company has lost some of its humour; some of its warmth; and some of its sheer opportunism.

“We will always remember him.”

Another of Sgt Tonroe’s commanding officers said he was a deeply intelligent man and one of life’s characters.

He added: “He was a caring and considerate soul, a loving and dutiful son, and a friend to many.

“Yet he had a steel core, served his country with pride and was a first class soldier, proven in combat, faced risk willingly and was ever ready for more.

“He thus died as he lived: daring and fearless in duty. We mourn his loss dearly, are proud to have known him and will honour him by continuing this fight.”

Gavin Williamson, Defence Secretary, said: “Sergeant Tonroe fought to protect British values, our freedoms and to keep us back at home safe.

“His sacrifice, unflinching commitment and bravery will never be forgotten.”