British soldier dies after gun attack

A British soldier has died from injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier, who was serving in 58 Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, was injured when his patrol came under fire in Al Qurna, north of the southern city of Basra, on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said he died yesterday despite the efforts of medical staff to save him.

The statement said: "Sadly, the MoD must confirm that a soldier from 58 Battery of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery died yesterday from injuries sustained in a shooting incident in the town of Al Qurna, Iraq, on Tuesday.

"His injuries were so serious that, despite the best treatment available, the medical team involved were unable to save him.

"Our condolences are with his family and friends. No further details will be released until the family's wishes have been established."

The soldier, whose name has not yet been released, was in the same unit as two men killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq on Monday.

Gunners Samuela Vanua, 27, and Stephen Wright, 20, died in the attack near the town of Ad Dayr, north of Basra.

They were returning to base in a Land Rover after training Iraqi police officers.