Soldier dies after Afghan explosion

A British soldier has died of his wounds after an explosion in southern Afghanistan last week, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier was from the 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

He was flown back to the UK where he died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

The soldier's next of kin have been informed.

A total of 409 members of UK forces have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Major Ian Lawrence, said: "It is with a deep sense of regret that I must confirm the death of a soldier from 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) who died of wounds sustained in an IED (improvised explosive device) strike on 11 April 2012.

"The thoughts and sincere condolences of the entire Task Force are with his family and friends."

PA