Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan

The Marine was killed during an exchange of fire with insurgent forces in the Sangin district of Helmand province. He was manning one of the sangars in the patrol base when the incident occurred.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said:

"It is with deep sadness I must inform you that a Marine from 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed this afternoon in Sangin. He was involved in an exchange of fire with insurgents when he was killed by small arms fire.

"He died a Royal Marine, in the course of his duty and alongside his mates and Afghan National Army partners. He will be sorely missed and his actions will not be forgotten. We will remember him."

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