RESIDENTS in a Bury street are mourning the death of a neighbour's son killed in Iraq. Lance Corporal Barry Stephen had just celebrated his 31st birthday -- and three days later died in a rocket attack.

His father, Alistair Stephen, aged 56, was told of his son's death by police at his home in the Woolfold area of Bury.

It is believed Lance Cpl Stephen, from Perth in Scotland, was killed when his armoured personnel carrier came under fire near Basra on Monday.

He was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, which forms part of the 7th Armoured Brigade, and became the first Scottish and second British soldier to be killed in action.

Mr Stephen, aged 56, is now comforting relatives and Barry's wife, Shirley, in Scotland.

Residents in the street -- where Mr Stephen has lived for the past four years -- have all signed a card of condolence.

Neighbour Derrick Booth said: "It is awful for Ally. Everyone here is in shock and our thoughts are with Ally and his family at this very difficult and sad time.

"The police came during the early hours of Monday and told him that Barry had been killed in the Gulf. Ally asked me later if I had heard banging in the street because had said he had kicked the doors of his van because of his grief and anger.

"Ally was very, very proud of Barry and his military career."

Mr Booth's wife, Margaret, added: "When your sons or daughters go off to war you hope and pray that they will be safe. It is heartbreaking that Alistair will not see his son walk through the door again."

L/Cpl Stephen was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch, which formed part of the 7th Armoured Brigade currently trying to liberate Iraq from Saddam Hussein's grip.

He joined the Black Watch in 1997 and has served in Northern Ireland, Germany and throughout the UK. He was also a member of the regiment's recruitment team.

Mr Stephen has been given compassionate leave by his bosses at Securefront Systems in Goodlad Street, Bury.

The company's director Mr Chris Goodall said: "Alistair has been here for about 14 years and is a well respected and well liked member of the workforce. Everyone here is saddened by the news of his son's death and we will offer him every support when he returns."

Flags at the Black Watch's base in Tayside, Scotland, are flying at half-mast in tribute to L/Cpl Stephen.

A family friend and fellow Black Watch soldier, Sergeant Mark Hudson, said: "Barry loved the army and both his family and I take some comfort from knowing that he died a hero, doing the job he loved."

It is not yet known if the dead soldier's body has been returned to Scotland. However, he will be buried with full military honours.