Former Havant student fighting against Islamic State '˜killed himself to avoid capture'

Former Havant student Ryan Lock is said to have died during an offensive by anti-IS forces in a bid to retake the northern city of Raqqa, considered to be the terrorist group’s capital, in December.

According to the BBC, Kurdish sources said the 20-year-old shot himself to avoid being taken prisoner by IS and used as a propaganda tool.

The body of the former Chichester chef is due to be repatriated to Britain after being recovered by his Kurdish comrades.

Mr Lock’s body is said to have arrived in Kurd-controlled territory on Tuesday and was received during a military ceremony by pro-Kurdish fighters.

Mr Lock was educated at Warblington School near Havant and joined the People’s Protection Units, known as the YPG.