British soldier dies in Afghanistan

A British soldier has been shot dead in Afghanistan while on foot patrol in Helmand Province, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier was from the 7th Battalion The Rifles, attached to the 3rd Battalion The Rifles Battle Group.

His next of kin have been informed.

The MoD said the soldier was killed as a result of small arms fire while on patrol near Sangin.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that this morning a British soldier from the 3 RIFLES Battle Group was shot and killed while on patrol in Helmand Province.

"He died in the course of his duty.

He will be missed by us, his comrades, and we will remember him."

The serviceman's death takes the number killed in Afghanistan this year to 96.