Former Belfast mayor's son wounded in Afghanistan

A well-known North politician is maintaining a bedside vigil in England where his son is recovering from injuries suffered serving with troops in Afghanistan.

Ulster Unionist Bob Stoker flew to be at his son Michael’s side after the injured soldier was flown back to the UK.

Political colleagues of Mr Stoker, a former Lord Mayor of Belfast, last night said they hoped his son would make a full recovery.

Michael Stoker, 21, was injured with another soldier in Afghanistan.

Full details of how they sustained their injuries were not available.

The injured men were flown to hospital near Birmingham on Saturday.

Mr Stoker and his wife left the North yesterday morning to join their son.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Reg Empey said his thoughts and those of party colleagues were with the Stoker family.

A party spokesperson said: “Sir Reg has spoken to Bob since the incident and has expressed his best wishes to Bob and his family at this anxious time.”