British soldier shot dead in Afghanistan

A British soldier has been shot dead in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier, from 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), was killed by small arms fire yesterday in the Nahr-e Saraj North District of Helmand Province.

He was serving with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force and was attending the scene of a suspect device when he was killed.

Next of kin have been informed.

A total of 342 UK military personnel have died in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "The soldier was part of a team responsible for clearing ground of explosive ordnance for coalition and Afghan forces, as well as ensuring the safety of the local Afghan people, when he was killed by small arms fire in the Nahr-e Saraj North District of Helmand Province.

"He sacrificed his life in the service of others, carrying out a hazardous but crucial task; he will live on in the memories of all who had the pleasure of knowing him."