British soldier killed by grenade

A British soldier on patrol in southern Afghanistan was killed yesterday after a grenade was thrown from behind a wall, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier, from the Household Cavalry Regiment, serving as part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, was killed in Sangin. Next of kin have been informed. A total of 277 British troops have now died in the Afghan conflict since operations began in 2001.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield said: "It is my sad duty to have to inform you that a British soldier from the Household Cavalry Regiment, serving as part of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, was killed in Sangin this afternoon. He was on a BRF foot patrol operating about three kilometres to the south of Sangin District Centre.

"He was part of a BRF operation doing what the soldiers of the BRF have done throughout their tour in Helmand, boldly and relentlessly taking the fight to the insurgents.

"He will be sorely missed by us all and we will remember him."