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'Fallen soldier' Facebook tributes

9 March 2009 01:00pm

Friends of one of the victims of the Real IRA shooting left emotional online tributes to the "fallen soldier".

More than 100 people joined a special group on social networking website Facebook in memory of Sapper Mark Quinsey.

In a series of poignant messages they said the 23-year-old soldier from Birmingham would never be forgotten.

Kirsty Simmonds wrote: "Rest in peace quincey (sic) cant believe your gone, it just doesnt seem real.

"Had some quality times. One of the funniest people i know and most fearless, miss u so much and will never forget you."

Paul Hopkins said: "Known you since you was born and i'll never forget you mark, always had a big smile on your face without a care in the world.

"You've been selfishly taken from us all, but you will never be forgotten."

Lissa Arkwell wrote simply: "R.i.p fallen soldier."

The second soldier killed in the attack, Sapper Patrick Azimkar, 21, was also fondly remembered.

Friends and neighbours around his home in Wood Green, north London, spoke of a sport-loving young man from a close family.

The soldier played football for his school, squadron and regiment, as well as having trials for Tottenham Hotspur when he was younger.

Greg Kalogirou, a friend of Sapper Azimkar for 11 years, said: "I used to play football with him all the time. We just did what normal kids do.

"He loved football and he was really good. He could have done that as well to be honest but he chose the Army. It was all he'd ever wanted to do."

A spokesman for Spurs said: ""Given Patrick's affiliation with the club we will be honoured to send a tribute.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this time."