Acting Corporal Steven Boote, Royal Military Police, was one of five British soldiers killed in an attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on November 3, 2009.

Also killed were Sergeant Matthew Telford , 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, Guardsman James Major , 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Chant , 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, and Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith , Royal Military Police.

The 22-year-old was a member of the Territorial Army and was a security team leader at a local Tesco store, and had aspirations to join the civilian police.

He was survived by his girlfriend Emma Murray, mum Margaret and dad Anthony.

His family paid tribute: "Our son Steven was a wonderful, genuine young man. He would light up a room with a single smile and left a lasting impression on all he met. A son and friend who can never be replaced, but never be removed from our hearts. An only child but never alone, who through family and friends led a full and happy life.

"Emma, his partner, was the love of his life and his soul mate. We couldn't stop him doing what he believed in, and he did believe he was doing his bit for his country.

"Steven, we are all so proud of you and you will always be our hero. Look after Nan and Granddad. Goodnight our son, our friend, our life."

His girlfriend Emma said: "Your cheeky smile would fill everyone with happiness. Steven I love you so much. You are my rock, my refuge and I will love and miss you more than words can say.

"Your caring nature and gentle ways will never be forgotten. All my love, my heart and soul, I will see you in my dreams."

In the Territorial Army he was a member of the Manchester Detachment of 116 Provost Company, Royal Military Police (Volunteers). He was attached to 160 Provost Company for his deployment on Operation HERRICK 11.

Steven was born on the 4 December 1986 in Birkenhead, Liverpool. He joined the TA in early 2006, joining 107 Field Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers) in his local town of Birkenhead.

Shortly afterwards he transferred to the Royal Military Police and on completion of his basic training joined 116 Provost Company. He completed his police training and was promoted to Lance Corporal in 2007.

In late September 2008 Corporal Boote volunteered to deploy on Operation HERRICK 11 with 160 Provost Company and took part in many exercises during the pre-deployment training, performing to a very high standard throughout.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis (Commanding Officer 4th Battalion Royal Military Police) said: "Corporal Boote was very proud to be a Territorial Soldier, second only to his pride in being a Military Policeman.

"He worked tirelessly to ensure he was at the top of his game and showed steadfast resilience and determination in gaining a much sought after place on Operation HERRICK 11 with his regular counterparts.

"Although relatively new to the Territorial Army and the Military Police, Corporal Boote was a popular member of both 116 Provost Company and 160 Provost Company alike. He was accepted readily by his colleagues, largely down to his professionalism and enthusiasm.

"Corporal Boote was a strong character with a good sense of humour and enjoyed being round his friends and having a laugh. It was an absolute pleasure to promote him to full Corporal at the end of an exercise earlier this year, he utterly deserved it and the smile on his face will be my enduring image of him.

"The Regiment is stunned at the untimely loss of Corporal Boote; it is a much poorer place without him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents and his girlfriend at this difficult time; we share in their grief."

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: "I pay tribute to their courage, skill and determination. They will never be forgotten.

"My thoughts, condolences and sympathies go to their families, loved ones and colleagues. I know that the whole country too will mourn their loss.

The attack happened when an Afghan police officer opened fire.

The five deaths took the number of UK troops killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 229. It is the highest number of UK soldiers killed in a single incident of combat since troops arrived in 2001.