British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 12 July 2007

The Grenadier Guards soldier was working as part of the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment Battlegroup, who are undertaking operations alongside Afghan National Security Forces to improve security in the Helmand River valley.

During an enemy contact, the soldier suffered a gunshot wound at approximately 0800 hours local time. He was rapidly evacuated by helicopter and despite the very best efforts of emergency medical staff he was pronounced dead on arrival at the field hospital.

Two other soldiers were injured in another part of the same operation and they are now receiving medical treatment.

The deceased soldier's next of kin have been informed and have requested a 24 hour period of grace before further details are released.