Royal Marine from 42 Commando killed in Helmand

The Royal Marine was on a foot patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Sukmanda area of the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district of Helmand province when he was fatally injured by an improvised explosive device.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said:

"It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of a Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines in the Sukmanda area of Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand province.

"The Royal Marine was part of a foot patrol deployed to disrupt insurgent activity in this contested area and so permit the expansion and development of governance.

"His patrol was providing a security screen for other patrols when, leading his patrol, he was fatally injured by an improvised explosive device. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Next of kin have been informed and asked for a period of grace before further details are released.