Soldier killed on patrol in Helmand

A British soldier has been killed in a firefight with insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

The serviceman, from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, was on a foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand Province on Tuesday morning. The joint patrol with Afghan National Army troops aimed to reassure local people. He was serving as part of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group.

Lt-Colonel James Carr-Smith, of Task Force Helmand, said: "He died doing his duty, alongside his mates... He will be greatly missed and we will always remember him."

His death takes the number of British troops who have died in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2001 to 287.