Three British troops killed in Helmand

Three British soldiers died last week in incidents connected with Operation Palk Wahel in southern Afghanistan. Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman, 36, and Private Brian Tunnicliffe, 33, of the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) were killed in a vehicle accident near Gereshk on Thursday as they were carrying out a resupply mission during a lull in the fighting.

Colour Sgt Newman, who was married with three children, was described as an "outstanding model" for the Territorial Army, while Pte Tunnicliffe was a "big hearted" infantryman, fiercely loyal to his regiment, said his commanding officer, Lt Col Simon Banton. He leaves a widow, Lindsey.

On Monday Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, 29, 36 Engineer Regiment, was killed in an explosion as his convoy carried engineering equipment north-east of Gereshk. He leaves a widow, Katey, and seven-year-old twins.