British soldier killed on patrol in Afghanistan

A British soldier has been killed while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province in the southern part of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

The soldier, from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in the blast in the Kajaki area of Helmand province. His family has been told.

Speaking yesterday, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a British soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles was killed this afternoon.

"He was caught by an explosion while on patrol in the Kajaki area of Helmand province. His courage and his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

The latest death takes the number of British service personnel killed in the conflict to 244, including 107 this year.