A STATUTORY inquiry should be held into the death of a Swanley soldier killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan, according to a coroner.

Sapper Mark Smith was killed on July 26, 2010, in the Sanguin area of Helmand District, Afghanistan, when a smoke shell fired by his own side landed 264m short of its intended target.

Recording a narrative verdict today following a four day inquest at Gravesend Town Hall, Coroner Roger Hatch promised he would write to the government expressing concerns over the MoD investigation into Sapper Smith’s death.

Mr Hatch said evidence had not been properly collected and serving soldiers may still be at risk when using such untested ammunition.

A statement read out by Sapper Smith’s mother Helen Smith said the family believe his death was "preventable".

Speaking outside the town hall, she said: "The evidence shows a broken weather computer and use of incorrect data from earlier in the day resulted in Mark’s death.

"This is compounded by the fact the investigation was flawed.

"Key evidence has gone missing and has probably never been returned to the UK.

"We will probably never know if the ammunition failed on that fateful day."

Mrs Smith added the MoD should "take responsibility" for the accident "so as to avoid further deaths".

The family statement continued: "We are immensely proud of Mark and the guys with him on this mission.

"We know the mission they were engaged in in Helmand was an extremely tough one.

"We are aware of the constant threat of enemy fire and IEDs.

"The stresses involved must have been enormous.

"At Mark's old barracks in Maidstone his friends and comrades have erected a bench.

"Inscribed on the bench is says 'Mark Smudge Smith - Legend'.

"We think that sums him up."

The inquest had heard from Sapper Shaun Michael Dean who said before the accident happened he had been talking with another solider about "family and grandparents".

He said: "It was like a big crash or a whoosh and it was really quick."

Captain Douglas Brain added: "I was traumatised but I would make the same decisions.

"It is survivor’s guilt."

Sapper Smith was part of a counter improvised explosive device task force who requested a smoke screen so they could move into position and remove a bomb.

As this was being provided, one of the smoke shells is believed to have fallen short of its intended target and killed the 26-year-old.

It also emerged how 105mm shells were being used the day Sapper Smith died because 81mm shells had run out. This was despite the fact Royal Marine commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Edward James Moorehouse - who was in the field that day - said he had no recollection of being trained to use the larger version.

The shells are ammunition used for screening and counter surveillance purposes while in combat.