Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Firefight

A British soldier has been killed in the southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The serviceman, from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, died after being shot in a firefight with insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand Province.

His family has been informed.

The soldier came under attack while on a foot patrol with Afghan National Army troops to reassure local people after insurgent intimidation, the MoD said.

He was serving in Afghanistan as part of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group.

Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "He died doing his duty, alongside his mates, whilst seeking to reassure the local population and counter insurgent intimidation.

"He will be greatly missed and we will always remember him."

His death takes the number of British troops who have died in operations in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2001 to 287