A BRAVE army private from Croydon described as "the epitome of the combat infantry soldier" has been killed in Afghanistan.

Private Jonathan Monk, 25, died in an explosion while conducting a foot patrol last Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence said Private Monk had been attempting to clear an area of improvised explosive devices.

Private Monk served with the 2nd Battalion The Princess of Royal Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

He had already completed three tours of duty.

His first was in Iraq in 2005, then Northern Ireland in 2006, and Afghanistan in 2008.

The 25-year-old left the Army in 2009 to become a firefighter but due to a delay in the recruitment process he volunteered for 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

In a statement released on Friday, relatives said: "Jonathan was the most wonderful son, and a truly great brother to Michaela.

"The Army was in his blood, it was all he'd ever wanted to do since he was five years old.

"He leaves an enormous void in all our lives. We will miss him so much, but we will always be so proud of his achievements and the dedicated way he served his country. He will always be our hero."

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, led the tributes from his fellow soldiers.

He said: "Private Monk was the epitome of the combat infantry soldier, and will be missed by all who knew him.

"We will remember his ready smile, his quick wit and his cool head under fire."