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Marine dies of Afghan gun fight injuries

Matt Williams,Press Association
Tuesday 15 June 2010 09:22 BST
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A British Marine has died from injuries sustained in a gun battle in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said today.

The serviceman, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in hospital in the UK following a fire-fight with insurgents in the Sangin District of Helmand Province on Sunday afternoon.

Next of kin have been informed.

The attack took place while the Marine was on foot patrol in the region.

Following the incident, the wounded serviceman was transported to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

He died today as a result of his injuries.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith said: "He was part of a foot patrol that was providing local security whilst engineering improvements were being made to a patrol base in Sangin District when the incident happened.

"His courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him."

The British death toll since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 now stands at 296.

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