British soldier shot dead on patrol in Afghanistan

A British soldier has died after being shot on patrol in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today.

The soldier, part of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was shot near Sangin in Helmand Province, yesterday afternoon. No one else was injured in the attack.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "He was one soldier who was here for one cause - to help the Afghan people.

"This true hero paid the ultimate sacrifice and his memory will live with us forever. We mourn his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time."

The soldier's death brings to 160 the number of British forces who have died while serving in Afghanistan since October 2001.

The Ministry of Defence is expected to identify the soldier tomorrow.