Ex-Marine killed in Syria 'wanted to make a difference'

A former Royal Marine that died fighting against Islamic State in Syria had travelled there to "help other people and to make a difference", his ex-girlfriend has said.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Jemma Weston described her former partner Konstandinos Erik Scurfield as "amazing" for "doing an unselfish act" in joining Kurdish forces' efforts against the militant group.

Scurfield was reportedly shot dead on Monday during a battle in the frontline village of Tel Khuzela.

Weston said that while they had ended their relationship, Scurfield had told her he wanted to return home to her, and said she was heartbroken at the news of his death.

Scurfield was an expert in battlefield medicine, and Weston said he believed going to help against IS was something he had to do.

The devastated family of ex-Royal Marine Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, killed in Syria fighting Islamic State militants, have paid tribute to the soldier.

In a statement, they said:

An ex-Royal Marine killed while fighting against Islamic State militants alongside Kurdish forces originally headed to Syria to provide medical aid, an MP has said.

In an interview with Sky News, Dan Jarvis, who represents the Barnsley Central constituency, said he believed Konstandinos Erik Scurfield had travelled to the troubled region for "honourable reasons".

He urged anyone else with "legitimate concerns" about Islamic State not to travel to the Middle East, and instead support charities working in the region.

Around 100 people from Western countries - including a number of Britons - are believed to have gone to Syria to join Kurdish forces battling against Islamic State militants.

The figures come as it emerged ex-Royal Marine Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, from Barnsley, has become the first Brit to be killed in the fight against the violent terror group.

Last month, a 19-year-old soldier from the UK, based in Cyprus, was returned to his unit after joining the Kurdish peshmerga, telling family "these guys need our help".

And in December, it was reported that two former British soldiers had also joined the operation against Islamic State, saying they had been "compelled" to help after the murder of aid worker Alan Henning.

A former US soldier who said he fought next to an ex-Royal Marine reported to be killed while fighting with Kurdish forces against Islamic State militants has paid tribute to his former comrade.

Posting on Facebook, Jordan Matson said he was "honoured" to have fought next to Konstandions Erik Sculfield, praising his discipline and dedication.

A former royal marine has been named in reports as the first Briton to be killed while fighting against Islamic State in Syria.

According to the BBC, the man was named by the Kurdish People's Protection Units as Konstandinos Erik Scurfield from Barnsley.

A statement on the Kurdish Question website read: "We can confirm that Konstandinos Erik Scurfield died in battle, probably in Hasakah although the full details are yet to be announced by YPG."

The MailOnline reported that the news had been confirmed by Kurdish rights campaigner Mark Campbell, who said he had informed Scurfield's family.

The Foreign Office has confirmed they are aware of reports of the death of a British national in Syria.