A FORMER Topsham police community support officer has died while on active service in Afghanistan. Twenty-nine-year-old Mark Marshall, who joined Devon and Cornwall Police in April 2006, was a member of the Territorial Army and was killed by an explosion

A FORMER Topsham police community support officer has died while on active service in Afghanistan.

Twenty-nine-year-old Mark Marshall, who joined Devon and Cornwall Police in April 2006, was a member of the Territorial Army and was killed by an explosion on patrol last Sunday, February 14.

He leaves his mother, Lynn, girlfriend, Hayley, his brother, Alex, and sister, Jo.

Percy Giles, Topsham's current police community support officer, was saddened to hear about Mark's death. "We are in shock. I do miss him and will continue to do so," he said.

Devon district commander Chief Superintendent Jo Tennant said: "Mark was one of our most experienced PCSOs and will be hugely missed by all his colleagues across Exeter and by the communities he was so proud to serve.

"His work with young people was very much appreciated by all those he came into contact with; he had the ability to motivate and inspire youngsters and he really enjoyed his work with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

"Mark was a great character and an important part of our team. We would like to send our sincere condolences to Mark's family at this very sad time."

Exeter Neighbourhood Inspector Brent Davison said: "Mark was an absolute gentleman who always surpassed expectations. He was an excellent PCSO and would have made a superb police officer which he aspired to.

"Mark was always smiling and particularly enjoyed helping young people.

"I remember being present at a Duke Of Edinburgh awards ceremony, where the recipients were young people from Mark`s patch who Mark and colleagues had mentored.

"He made such a difference to those young people and his legacy will go on with them. He was rightly proud of these young people and they, in common with the rest of Mark's community, thoroughly respected him.

"Mark will be very sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.