Two soldiers killed in Afghanistan blast

Two British soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldiers, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died in the blast near Sangin in Helmand Province yesterday.

Their families have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "They were on a foot patrol protecting the local population from insurgents when the attack happened. Their boldness in the face of danger, and the sacrifice they have made, will be remembered."