Armagh security contractor killed in Iraq bomb explosion

A Northern Ireland security contractor has died in a bomb explosion in Iraq.

Raymond Moore, a former police officer and British soldier died when a roadside bomb exploded close to his vehicle near Numaniyah last Friday.

The 40-year-old security worker, a father of two children from Tandragee, Co Armagh, had just 24 hours previously been honoured for helping rescue American soldiers injured in a suicide bomb attack.

Mr Moore worked for ArmorGroup International, which provides security to Iraqi government workers and commercial firms involved in reconstruction work in Iraq.

ArmorGroup's David Seaton said Mr Moore was a very brave man.

On Thursday last, with five other colleagues, he was honoured by the Royal Humane Society for rescuing injured American soldiers from under a bridge, which was in danger of collapse, after a suicide attack.

His parents learned of the award on Friday. But just 20 minutes later, said his father Roy Moore, they were told that their son had died.

Mr Moore said the family was devastated.

AArmorGroup spokesman said Mr Moore was a very skilled operator who had extensive training for working in hostile environments.

"On leaving the army had wanted to apply his wealth of experience to the commercial private security industry," he said.

"He was a professional, dedicated, courageous and decent man with an excellent sense of humour and was highly respected and valued by his clients," said the spokesman.

"On behalf of ArmorGroup I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ray's family at the loss of a fine partner, son and friend and would like to confirm that the company is doing all that it can to work with the family in their hour of need," added the spokesman.