Soldier dies in Afghanistan blast

The soldier was killed by a blast in southern Afghanistan

A soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, has died in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier was killed in an explosion near Sangin in central Helmand province.

A spokesman for Task Force Helmand said: "It is with deep sorrow I must inform you that a British soldier, one of our own, was killed this morning."

Lt Col David Wakefield added: "His sacrifice will not be forgotten." The soldier's family has been informed.

The death brings the number of British military personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the mission began in October 2001 to 230.

It comes just two days after five British soldiers were killed in an attack by a "rogue" Afghan policeman.

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