British soldier dies in Helmand gun battle

A British soldier was killed in Helmand yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier, from The Royal Military Police, was shot during a gun battle in the Babaji area of Helmand Province. Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant-Colonel David Wakefield said: "It is with deep sadness I must inform you that a soldier from the Royal Military Police was shot and killed this morning in the Babaji area of Helmand Province – one of our fellow soldiers taken from us in the course of his duty, and who we will remember." Next of kin have been informed.

The death – the 98th this year in Afghanistan – came as Tory leader David Cameron demanded a military "surge" and said the status quo was no longer acceptable.