HUNDREDS of mourners have attended the funeral of an elite SBS Poole commando killed on a top secret Taliban bomb factory raid.

Hamworthy-based Special Boat Squadron Sergeant Andy Houltram died in the daring mission near the town of Gereshk, Afghanistan, last month.

He was one of a group of commandos given the task of obliterating a factory producing devastating IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), the main threat to UK troops in Afghanistan.

Officials refused to comment on the details, as the activities of UK special forces are understandably shrouded in secrecy, but a statement at the time said a Royal Marine had died in an explosion while on foot patrol.

However, according to reports, Sgt Houltram, 33, had led the attack by fast roping into the enemy compound from a helicopter.

As a fierce firefight broke out, the commandos chased fleeing Taliban fighters into a nearby building, which had been booby-trapped with a series of buried mortar shells.

Several shells detonated simultaneously – killing Sgt Houltram and injuring three of his colleagues.

At the time Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: “This marine gave his life for his country and the freedom of the Afghan people.

“There is no greater sacrifice than this. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones.”

More than 600 mourners, including many special forces soldiers, attended Sgt Houltram’s funeral last week at Scotland’s Dunblane Cathedral.

The ceremony was carried out under such tight security that the public and press were prevented from seeing the faces of the mourners and pall-bearers.

Sgt Houltram, believed to be the third SBS commando to die in Afghanistan since 2006, was from Cowie in Stirlingshire.

Despite their losses, the bomb factory raid was a reported success – possibly saving the lives of dozens of British troops.