ON the day that Rifleman Mark Marshall’s body was repatriated back to the UK, his family gave a moving tribute to the soldier and city PCSO.

In a statement released to the Echo, Mark’s family — including his mum Lynn and girlfriend Hayley — thanked people for the “overwhelming” messages of support they had received.

They said: “Thank you to everyone for your comforting messages and thoughts.

“Sharing all your amazing and wonderful memories of Mark has given us overwhelming support and made us even more aware of how loved and respected Mark was. He will be missed.”

And tributes have continued to flood into the Echo’s website thisisexeter.co.uk

Marie Henderson, from Northern Ireland, said: “Mark Marshall was a good friend of my son, Tom Ticehurst. They went through primary school together and remained in contact after Tom joined the army.

“My mother, Kate Sanders also taught Mark at school and both Tom and Kate are saddened to hear of his death. All our family extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s family.

“We remember Mark as full of fun and always out and about with Tom climbing trees, running around the parks and at the door after school ready for buns and snacks.”

Sid Lawrence, from Plymouth, said: “Rest in peace young man. You have obviously laid your life down in  service to others.

“As a PCSO and ex-serviceman I take my  hat off to you.

“My thoughts are with you, your family  and your friends.”

One from a special constabulary police officer, in Exeter, said: “Mark was a friend and a colleague and a great role model for others — always helpful and supportive, you will never be forgotten RIP Mark.”

A fellow PCSO from Exeter said: “Dear Mark, I will always remember you as an exceptional PCSO — you will be greatly missed by your police family. My condolences go out to your girlfriend and family. RIP.”

An Exeter police officer said: “Mark, such a brave young man, it was a pleasure and honour to work with you.

“Your smile lit up a room and your sense of fun and humour was amazing. My thoughts go out to your family. Love always to a true hero. xxx”

And some tributes came from further afield than Devon. Amber and Simon Watts, of Canada, said: “Mark was a great person and a true friend. We are so pleased we had the chance to work with you buddy, you will be missed so much by so many people. RIP Mark we will never forget you x x x”