Trooper Robert Pearson Tribute

The death of Cleethorpes trooper Robert Pearson has sparked renewed calls for UK troops to be brought home.

The 22-year-old was killed on Monday when his armoured vehicle was blown up by a land mine, injuring two other soldiers.

As reported, his death has rocked the community, with tributes flooding into the Grimsby Telegraph both on email and via www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk

However, among the heartfelt tributes from friends and family, were calls for the Government to pull out of the Middle East and bring our soldiers back to Britain.

Graham Wressell, of Holton-le-Clay, said: "Why oh why are we still getting people killed in a war that is run by maniacs against maniacs?

"Fetch our lads and lasses home while we still have any alive. It's nothing to do with us. The sooner politicians look after this country first, the sooner we will get back to some form of stability.

"This was a normal young man doing his job, killed by our Government's interference in yet another thing that has nothing to do with the normal person in our country."

He was backed by 'Victoria Meldrew', of Humberston, who added: "It is high time this Government listened to what the general public want and then act on it.

"The wars in Afghanistan etc are nothing to do with us. Bring our troops home and sort out our country first - it certainly needs it."

However, Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said while the death of Trooper Pearson was sad, it should not be used to criticise the Army's campaigns.

"It is a sad day and it is sad news for his family and friends and my sympathies go out to both," he said.