British soldier killed after Mont Blanc plunge

The British soldier fell 1,000 metres from a precipice on Mont Blanc (EPA)

An off-duty British soldier has died after falling 1,000 metres (3,280ft) while climbing in the Italian Alps, according to reports.

The 30-year-old man fell from a cliff on Mont Blanc, according to Italian news agency Ansa.

He reportedly began his ascent on the French side of the mountain but fell on the Italian side while descending. Italian police have confirmed that a climber died this morning.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed that a British man has died.

A spokesman said: "We were made aware of the death of a British national in Italy on 28 August. We stand ready to provide consular assistance."

A British skier died after plunging more than 3,000 feet while tackling a famous off piste glacier in the French Alps in May.

The man was out with another skier when they were caught in a storm as they descended the challenging Vallee Blanche near Chamonix.