A FORMER Kent police officer has been killed in Iraq.

John Barker who used to live in Leeds, near Maidstone, died on Wednesday. He was working for a private security firm, Global Risk Strategies, which provides companies and government ministries with protection and logistical help.

A spokesman from the company confirmed Mr Barker had been killed but could not release details.

He said: “We can confirm that Mr Barker worked for us and was killed on Wednesday. Unfortunately because of the sensitive nature of the work we do in Iraq we cannot release full details of what happened.

“His family have been informed and are trying to come to term with this sad loss.”