Two British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

An MoD spokesman said the pair died after an attack in the Sangin area of the Helmand province in the south of the country.

He said: "We can confirm that UK forces have been involved in an incident in the Sangin valley during which we regret to confirm that two members of the UK Armed Forces have been killed in action.

"Next of kin are currently being informed and no further details are being released at this time."

The BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead, who is in Afghanistan, said a rocket grenade was fired at a British vehicle patrol. The Sangin was " one of the most dangerous" areas of the province.

The UK has more than 5,000 personnel in Afghanistan, with about 2,000 stationed in Helmand.

Taliban forces have regrouped and gained strength and sympathy in some areas of southern Afghanistan.

Last week MP Adam Holloway, who visited the province at Easter, said soldiers face "great dangers" as they try to stem the region's drug trade.

If confirmed, the soldier will be the second British death in the troubled province of the Central Asian country.

Earlier this month, Captain Jim Philippson, of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, died after a firefight with suspected Taliban forces.