AN OXFORDSHIRE Army officer training Afghan policemen says he and his men are “anxious” but continue to do their jobs after the murder of five soldiers.

Platoon commander Lieutenant Ben Rutt, from Cumnor, is teaching Afghan National Police officers weapon handling skills, arrest procedures and how to stop and search subjects.

On Tuesday, an Afghan policeman killed Warrant Officer Darren Chant, Sgt Matthew Telford and Guardsman James Major, of the Grenadier Guards, and Corporal Steven Boote and Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith, of the Royal Military Police, at the Nad-e-Ali checkpoint, in Helmand province.

Lt Rutt, of 2 Company, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, has continued to train police recruits around Helmand province since the shooting.

The 28-year-old said: “With our work you never trust anyone – you never trust them 100 per cent.

“But we’re still doing exactly the same job the same way.

“The blokes are perhaps slightly more on edge, more anxious, but they understand that we have to continue with the job.

“It’s crucial we don’t tar all the ANP with one rogue brush.

“A lot of these guys are just trying to do their duty – unfortunately there are some really rotten apples in the bunch.”

Lt Rutt, who is based at Aldershot, Hampshire, said some police commanders were crooked, but other officers were good at recognising when things were wrong.

He continued: “It’s their country and it’s their way and we can’t force them to do it our way.

“It’s better to not just tell them what to do but to tell them how it’s relevant. Like anyone, they don’t want to be barked at.

“Unfortunately, they do need constant supervision – but they’re improving.”

Lt Rutt has sat down to share apples with ANP officers in a bid to break down barriers and learn more about the Afghan way of life.

He has also been out on foot patrols with the Afghans.

He said: “These guys have a real nose for it. They recognise accents from outside the area and they recognise different signs of dress, such as a longer turban or gown.

“For us, it’s very much about us trusting their senses, because this is their province, their country.”