Royal Marine killed in Sangin

The Marine was killed in an explosion in the Sangin district of Helmand province. He had recently returned from a reassurance patrol to improve security for local Afghans in the area around 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 in Sangin last night. He had recently returned from a patrol when he was killed by an explosion.
 
"He had been improving the lives of local Afghans and helping to protect them from the insurgency.
 
"He died a Marine. He will be greatly missed and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will always remember him."

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