UK soldier killed in Afghanistan blast

A British soldier was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan yesterday, the Ministry of Defence announced today.

The serviceman, from 36 Engineer Regiment, was serving with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device task force when he died in a blast in the Sangin area of Helmand, a spokesman for the MoD said.

Next of kin have been informed.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said: "It is with sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 36 Engineer Regiment, serving as part of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, was killed this afternoon (Monday July 26).

"He was part of a search team that was involved in an operation to provide security in Sangin District when tragically he was killed in an explosion.

"He died seeking to improve the lives of local Afghans.

"He will be sorely missed by his many friends. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."

The British death toll in the Afghan campaign since 2001 now stands at 325.