Northern Ireland Mirror photographer flown to UK

Philip Coburn was seriously injured in the explosion

A newspaper photographer from Larne who was seriously injured in a bomb attack in Afghanistan, is expected to make a good recovery, doctors have said.

Philip Coburn, 43, works for the Sunday Mirror and was embedded with the US Marine Corps when the vehicle he was in was hit by a bomb near Nawa in Helmand.

His colleague, Mirror correspondent Rupert Hamer, was killed in the attack.

Mr Coburn suffered serious leg injuries in Saturday's attack. He was flown to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital.

His condition has been described as serious but stable.

The Mirror photographer lives in London with his partner and their young son.

He trained as a photographer in Belfast and spent several years in New York as a freelance before returning to the United Kingdom.

He has worked for the Mirror for eight years.

The two journalists had flown to southern Afghanisaton on New Year's Eve for a month-long assignment.

Sunday Mirror editor Tina Weaver said Mr Coburn was a veteran of conflicts in Iraq, Rwanda and Afghanistan.

"He is a consummate all-round journalist and brilliant photographer whose pictures grace any newspaper.

"He and Rupert made a dedicated team, working together around the world, sacrificing personal comfort countless times to record the reality of wars.

"We wish Phil a speedy recovery, and send our warmest wishes to his partner and family."