Nothing could have been done to prevent the death of experienced war reporter Ruper Hamer in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, a coroner ruled today.

Sunday Mirror defence correspondent and former Bournemouth Echo correspondent, Rupert Hamer was travelling in a US Marine Corps armoured personnel carrier at the back of a resupply convoy when it was caught in the explosion on January 9, 2010.

An inquest in Trowbridge, Wiltshire heard that he died despite wearing full standard issue body armour.

A US Marine was also killed and Sunday Mirror photographer Philip Coburn, who was sitting next to Mr Hamer, was seriously injured.

Coroner David Ridley recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.

For the full story see tomorrow's Daily Echo.