Tributes paid to Marine Jonathan Crookes killed in Afghanistan

A marine killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Afghanistan has been named as a university student from the Black Country.

Tributes were today paid to 26-year-old Jonathan Crookes, of Halesowen, who was described as "one of the bravest of the brave".

The Birmingham-born reservist in the 40 Commando Royal Marines, was killed in the Sangin District of Helmand Province on Friday.

He was on his third deployment to Afghanistan, having volunteered for service in 2007 and 2009.

Outside of the Royal Marines he was studying for a degree in international relations and worked as a tree surgeon and labourer. He was also a drummer in a heavy metal band.

His devastated fiancée Danni Davis said: "He was the love of my life. I can't explain how much I loved him but I am so very proud of him.

"It was so hard to share him with the Marines and his duties but he always did it so well."