MoD names soldiers killed in Antrim

LONDON (Reuters) - The Ministry of Defence has named the two soldiers shot dead in an attack on a base in Northern Ireland as Cengiz Azimkar and Mark Quinsey.

The soldiers, both sappers from 38 Engineer Regiment, were killed as they collected a takeaway pizza at the gates of the Massareene Barracks in Antrim on Saturday.

After an initial burst of gunfire, the gunmen, who also wounded two pizza delivery men, walked up and shot the victims as they lay on the ground.

It was the worst attack in the province in a decade.

Azimkar, 21, and Quinsey, 23, had been due to fly to Afghanistan just hours after the attack.

Azimkar, from London, who joined the Royal Engineers in 2005, was described as a jovial fun-loving soldier and a very talented footballer.

"It is difficult to convey the feelings and emotion of the Squadron as we come to terms with the tragic loss of Sapper Azimkar," said Major Darren Woods, the commanding officer of 25 Field Squadron.

"A truly professional soldier, loyal comrade and friend to all, this will be a day marked forever with great sadness. To command a soldier of this quality has been the greatest privilege and one which I will remember with pride."

Quinsey, from Birmingham, who joined the army at 19, was described by colleagues as a hugely capable soldier with great future potential.