British airman killed in Afghanistan

A British serviceman has been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The airman, from 34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, died in a blast while on a patrol near Camp Bastion, the main UK base in Helmand Province, yesterday afternoon.

His family have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "The death of this courageous Royal Air Force Regiment gunner is a true loss.

"He will be mourned by his friends, colleagues and all of us serving in Helmand Province.

"We know that whilst our loss is heartfelt, it is nothing compared to the sorrow of his family, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

The RAF Regiment is tasked with protecting the security of the airfield at Camp Bastion so British aircraft can safely take off and land there.

The airman killed yesterday was taking part in a regular patrol to prevent insurgents launching an attack on the base.

His death took the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the mission began eight years ago to 219.