THE parents of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan say they are “upset and saddened” that five commandos have been charged with murder over an incident last year.

Peter and Linda Thornton say they can’t believe “that lads who put their lives on the line for the country,” should be treated that way.

In a Facebook posting, Linda asks: “What the hell is going on?”

And she told the Daily Echo all the military families she is in touch with, feel the same.

The couple have joined a Facebook campaign to support the five men, who all belong to 42 Commando.

The MOD says nine marines were arrested over the incident, involving an insurgent. Four have been released without charge.

The five charged remain in custody, and the next stage of the process is likely to be trial by court martial.

The marines were arrested by the Royal Military Police after suspicious video footage was found on a serviceman's laptop by civilian police in the UK.

It is believed to be the first time UK servicemen have been arrested and charged with such charges during the Afghanistan conflict.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond: "We're very determined that the rules of engagement will be followed.”

Lt. John Thornton, 21, died in roadside bomb incident in 2008. His parents, from Ferndown, have set up the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation in his memory.

Mrs Thornton said: “There are some very difficult, split second, decisions on war and we don’t feel this is the way that our brave service personnel should be treated.

“There are some lads who have come back from Afghanistan with terrible injuries and some, like John, who haven’t returned at all.

“We just don’t think this decision should have been made and neither do many others, judging how much support there is for them.”

John’s brother, Ian, also completed a tour of Afghanistan earlier this year, with the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.