Paying tribute to the five men, Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said: "I was so very sorry to hear of the deaths of these five brave soldiers, killed in the course of their duties in Afghanistan.

“That they were killed by one of those they were working alongside is a particular tragedy.

"The memory of WO1 Darren Chant, Sgt Matthew Telford, Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith, Cpl Steven Boote and Guardsman James Major will live on.

“They were men of courage who died building security in Afghanistan and protecting people in the UK from terrorism.

"My deepest sympathies and condolences lie with their grieving families, friends, and all those who served alongside them who will feel the pain of loss most intensely. They are in all our thoughts."

Wirral Council has lowered the flag at Wallasey town Hall to half mast.

Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Andrew Hodson, said: “I was extremely saddened to hear about the tragic death of Corporal Steven Boote, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country this week.

“On behalf of the people of Wirral, I would like to say that we are extremely proud of him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, partner and friends at this terrible time.”

During a visit to Widnes, Gordon Brown defended the role of British troops in Afghanistan.

He said it is vital that Britain can counter the threat from extremists operating in the area.

He said: “If we are to defend Britain properly, then it is not enough simply to defend ourselves here.

“If we let the Taliban back into control in Afghanistan, then al- Qaida will have an even bigger base in which to move.”

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