British Soldier Shot Dead In Afghan Attack

A British soldier has died after being shot while on a foot patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The patrol was trying to disrupt insurgent activity in the Nahr-e Saraj district when it came under attack from small arms fire.

The Ministry of Defence said despite immediate medical attention the serviceman could not be saved and he died from gunshot wounds.

Spokesman for British Forces Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel John Kerner, said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a soldier from 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, has died as a result of injuries sustained while on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

"The loss of the soldier will be felt by all in Task Force Helmand, but most deeply by his family and loves ones. Our thoughts and sympathy are with them at this difficult time."

The serviceman's family has been informed of the death.

The soldier becomes the 416th member of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001.