Simon Chase - Security Operator - KIA Jan 2014 Kabul

Simon Chase, killed in Afghanistan, was a former pupil at Bishops' Blue Coat CE High School



Former soldier Simon Chase was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, January 17


Social media tributes have been paid to a Chester man confirmed as one of the two British nationals killed in a suicide bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul.
Simon Chase, a former Bishops' Blue Coat CE High school student, who was originally from Blacon, was named today (Saturday, January 18, as one of the 13 foreigners and eight Afghans killed in a suicide and gun attack at a Kabul restaurant on Friday night, January 17.
Mr Chase, known as 'Si', is thought to have been a soldier in the Cheshire regiment and was believed to be working as a member of the security personnel in Afghanistan at the time of his death. He lived in the Co. Londonderry town of Limavady with his partner and young child.
The attack, in the Wazir Akbar Khan neighbourhood, which is home to a number of foreign embassies and organisations, was described to be 'horrific'.
As the suicide bomber blew himself up outside the popular La Taverna du Liban restaurant, two gunmen sneaked in through a back door and opened fire.
It is thought the restaurant would have been full of diners at the time of the blast.
The attackers were eventually shot dead by the security forces when they arrived at the scene.


AP Photo/Rahmat Gul
Afghan security forces work at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Friday, January 17

Del Singh, a Labour Party MEP candidate for the South East, has been named as the other British national killed.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm the death of two British nationals and we stand ready to provide consular assistance to the families."
Labour leader Ed Miliband was among the politicians paying tribute to the two men today, and social media sites have been flooded with messages of sorrow for Mr Chase's family.
Andrew McMillan tweeted: 'Had the pleasure to serve with Big simon chase many years ago. Giant of a man. Rip mate.'
Barry Reynolds wrote: 'Thinking of the family and friends of Simon Chase who has tragically lost his life in Kabul. May he RIP.'
Rachael Ferguson wrote on Twitter: 'Rest in peace simon chase, thoughts are with Jake and his family at this time in need.'
Richie O'Connell said: 'RIP simon chase! Another ex cheshire taken far too early! Thoughts with the family and friends.'
Facebook tributes included Nick Boddy, who posted: 'Sad news about a lad I was at school with. Great lad, Rip Chasey!' Tami Johsnon said: 'Just heard some sad news. Si Chase was an amazing lad, very proud to have known and grown up with him. RIP Si, thinking of all the family love to you all xxx'
It is believed The Royal British Legion Limavady Branch will fly the Union Flag at half mast as a mark of respect to Mr Chase.