UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

The death takes the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 212

A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment has been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The soldier, operating with The Light Dragoons Battle Group, died as a result of a gunshot wound on Thursday.

He was shot while on a foot patrol in the Babaji district, Helmand province.

His next of kin have been informed, and his death takes the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 212.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lt Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "This brave soldier died bringing a better life to the people of Afghanistan.

"We mourn his loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time. His loss has not been in vain."

This death comes after the MoD had earlier confirmed that another British soldier had been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, during an attack in the Babaji District of Helmand province.

That soldier, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was operating with the Light Dragoons Battlegroup.