Mayor's message to cameraman hurt in Taliban bomb

Phil, from Larne, has been transferred to the Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, and is said to be in a serious, but stable condition. It is understood he has had a leg amputated since the roadside device exploded, killing Phil’s colleague, journalist Rupert Hamer, a 39-year-old father-of-two.

Aged 43 and now living in north London with his partner Alison and their young son Joe, the Sunday Mirror photographer had been embedded with Hamer with US Marines, one of whom was killed and five others injured in the attack in Helmand province.

Mr Coburn – whose parents and brother, Nigel, still live in Larne – is a veteran war zone photographer. He first covered the allied invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has returned to the region more than a dozen times since. He had been in Afghanistan since New Year’s Eve.

Sunday Mirror picture editor Mike Sharp described his colleague as a “dedicated and passionate photographer” who could always be relied upon to produce great pictures under the harshest conditions.

“Journalists, his subjects and other photographers all remark on his commitment and his ability to relax afterwards – a unique skill which is invaluable in conflict areas,” he added.

Cllr McKee said: “My heart goes out to Philip and to his family at this time. He is obviously a very brave young man whose dedication and commitment have placed him in a vulnerable position, but it is a job that must be done and I commend him for doing it so professionally.”

The DUP man, who has had both legs amputated, is confined to home at present following a serious fall on an icy path just before Christmas.

“When I am able, I will make a point of visiting Phil’s family and if I can offer any encouragement and hope I will do so,” Cllr McKee said.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has expressed his concern and sympathy, saying: “My thoughts are with Mr Coburn and his family as they come to terms with the severe injuries he has suffered in Afghanistan.”

He added: “This is another reminder of the highly dangerous circumstances in which journalists and news photographers have to work, when reporting where our troops are currently engaged overseas.”