British soldier killed by enemy fire serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Engineers

A British soldier has been killed in Afghanistan while serving with the Royal Engineers.

The Ministry of Defence said the serviceman was killed in action by enemy fire on an operation to the east of Kabul on Monday.

He has not yet been named but his family have been informed.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman declined to give further information, adding: "The serviceman’s next of kin have requested a period of grace before further details are released."

The soldier is the 447th member of UK armed forces to die since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001.