UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier was part of a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province, when his patrol came under attack from small arms fire.

His next of kin have been informed.

The MoD said the soldier died from gunshot wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel John Kerner, spokesman for British Forces Helmand, 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 loved ones.

"Our thoughts and sympathy are with them at this difficult time."

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