Tributes for Manchester soldier killed in Syria

Tributes are pouring in for Sergeant Matt Tonroe, the Manchester-born soldier killed fighting against so-called Islamic State in Syria.

He was the first British soldier to be killed in Syria. He was in the country as part of a US-led mission.

Social media messages of condolence for his family, and praise for his service, have flooded in since the announcement of his death on Saturday afternoon.

"Spare a thought for his family. RIP Airborne"

Hugh Keir, who fought in Afghanistan with Sergeant Tonroe, described a time when he saved the lives of a number of officers:

"Matt. In 2008 when my sniper team was attached to A Coy, 3 Para in Afghan, the company was subject to a particularly complex ambush. Attacked from 3 flanks, with taliban as close as 20m and out to around 400m, two of my guys had the unenviable task of keeping their heads above cover to focus on two areas in the middle distance for a hidden sharpshooter that was engaging elements of A Coy. While RPGs exploded overhead, rounds flew and grenades detonated, they didn't move. They focused on the task and didn't flinch. They did what they needed to do, regardless of the danger to themselves and the prolonged exposure. Matt was one of the two snipers. Spare a thought for his family. RiP Airborne."

While another soldier, Ryan Oates, posted "RIP Matt, never failed to make me laugh."

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 soldier, 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.”

Sgt Tonroe’s Commanding Officer said

“Matt Tonroe was a deeply intelligent man and one of life’s characters. 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.