Limavady came to a virtual standstill earlier today as the Co Derry town laid to rest its “adopted son” killed in a recent suicide bomb attack in Aghanistan.
Simon Chase.
Hundreds lined the route from Simon Chase’s home in Anderson Park to Christ Church where mourners were told his death had caused “shock and bewilderment” in the town.
The former British soldier’s coffin, covered in a Union flag, was accompanied by his partner, Norma, and sons, Alfie and Jake. Many in attendance wore blue ribbons in recognition of his support for Everton Football Club.
His hearse was flanked by members of the British Legion and led by a lone piper.
The former member of the Cheshire Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment had been working in Afghanistan for the EU police mission.
He died when a suicide attacker detonated his explosives outside the gate of a heavily fortified restaurant before two gunmen entered the premises and opened fire on people inside.
It is understood was a bodyguard for a Danish policewoman training Afghan police. They had been dining at the restaurant when the attack happened.
It has emerged he shot dead one of the terrorists after he grabbed his gun and returned fire at the attackers in a desperate bid to save lives.
According to General Ayoub Salangi, the Afghanistan Deputy Interior Minister who is leading an investigation into the attack, Mr Chase killed the first gunman before being shot dead by the second.
He was originally from Liverpool but had been living in Limavady for the pat 20 years with his partner, Norma McDowell and their two sons.
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