British Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Blast

A British soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier was working alongside an Afghan security forces' patrol in the Mirmandab region of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand Province, when he was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, said: "Sadly, I must report that a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment was killed in an explosion from an improvised explosive device while working alongside an Afghan security forces' patrol to disrupt insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

"The thoughts and condolences of everyone serving in the Task Force are with his family and friends."

The soldier's family has been informed.

The death has taken the British armed forces' total number of deaths since operations began in Afghanistan to 405.

The death follows the repatriation on Tuesday of six servicemen killed when a huge explosion hit their Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle on March 6.