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

The former Royal Marine killed fighting against Islamic State in Syria went to the war-torn country to "help other people and to make a difference", his former girlfriend said.

Konstandinos Erik Scurfield from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was reportedly shot dead on Monday while fighting alongside Kurdish forces in the frontline village of Tel Khuzela.

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Brit killed in Syria 'originally went to give medical aid'

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.

Konstandinos Erik Scurfield Credit: Facebook/Jordan Matson

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".

My understanding is that he had very significant ideological concerns about what is happening, about the actions Islamic State were taking in the region, and he wanted to make a contribution.

My understanding is that he went there to make a humanitarian contribution, he didn't go there to fight, he provided medical assistance.

In terms of precisely what's happened, we don't know yet but my understanding was that he went there for honourable reasons.

– Dan Jarvis MP, Barnsley Central

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.

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