Soldier dies from bomb wounds

A British soldier has died in hospital after being wounded in southern Afghanistan nearly six weeks earlier, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

The serviceman, from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was injured by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar Province on September 15.

He was flown back to the UK, but despite the efforts of medical staff died in Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham yesterday.

His family has been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, commanding officer of The Black Watch, said: "It is with immense sadness that I announce the death of a soldier from the battalion.

"Despite a most determined and courageous fight against his injuries sustained in Afghanistan, he died last night in Selly Oak Hospital.

"On behalf of everyone in the battalion, I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to his family and loved ones who have been with him these past few difficult days."

The soldier's death takes the number of British service personnel who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 223.