'Beckhams security guard' killed in Iraq bomb blast

A security guard killed in Iraq used to work for the Beckhams, it was reported today.

Merrick McDonald, 42, was constantly at the couple's side after David Beckham moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid, according to The Sun.

The Sun said Mr McDonald was killed in a car bomb in Baghdad last Wednesday.

Security company Aegis Defence Services confirmed that an employee of that name had been killed.

"I can confirm that he was one of our employees, and he was killed as a consequence of hostile action in Iraq last week," a spokeswoman said.

She could not confirm the link to David and Victoria Beckham.

The Sun said he was the couple's chief minder for two years and formed a close relationship with their elder sons Brooklyn, seven, and Romeo, four.

He left for Iraq 18 months ago, it added.

The Aegis spokeswoman said: "This news is of great sadness. Our sympathies and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues."

Sources close to the Beckhams declined to comment.