British Man Killed Fighting IS In Syria

A British man has reportedly been killed fighting against the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

Former chef Ryan Lock had no previous military experience when he left the UK to join Kurdish Militia fighting IS. 

He told his family he was going on holiday to Turkey.

Lock, 20, who was from Chichester in West Sussex, 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.

Mr Lock’s family were reportedly informed by Kurdish Military Force YPG that he had been killed alongside four other fighters on December 21^st.

Speaking about his son’s death, Mr Lock's father Jon said:

"He was a very caring and loving boy who would do anything to help anyone" and "had a heart of gold".

Meanwhile, the YPG said of Mr Lock:

"He crossed continents for the destiny of our people and humanity".

Images posted on Facebook in October and November appear to show Mr Lock holding an AK-47 and wearing military style apparel.

Mark Campbell, who was with a group of Kurdish activists who visited Mr Lock's family, told the BBC their main concern was that Mr Lock's remains are returned to the UK, saying:

"We hope the UK Government will also use all their diplomatic powers to give practical assistance to the family to help bring Ryan's remains home for burial."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said in regard to Mr Lock’s death:

"The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria. As all UK consular services there are suspended, it is extremely difficult to confirm the status and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria. Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger."

This is not the first case of a UK national travelling to the frontline in order to join Kurdish Militia fighting IS.

Last year, three men, including two former British soldiers, Joshua Molloy, Joe Akerman and Jac Homes were jailed after crossing a border with Syria.

They had also been with the YPG fighting Daesh in Northern Syria.

Although Molloy and Akerman had previously served with the military, Mr Holms, an IT worker from Dorset, had no prior military experience.

MORE- Ex-Soldiers Freed From Prison After Fighting Daesh

In 2015, SAS veteran Phil Campion travelled to the frontline in Syria and Iraq hoping to gain an insight into the Kurdish fight against IS.

In a Documentary produced for Sky News, Mr Campion expressed support for the Kurds, whilst criticising the weapons that they are forced to fight with

Footage showed the veteran grappling with a jammed gun.

MORE: SAS Vet Returns From Frontline Against IS And Shares Story