Soldier from 1 RIFLES killed in Afghanistan

The soldier was killed by a gunshot wound whilst on patrol in the village of Haji Khodin Nazar, in the Nahr-e Saraj (South) district of Helmand province.

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

"It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of a soldier from 1st Battalion The Rifles in the village of Haji Khodin Nazar in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

"The soldier was on a partnered patrol with the Afghan Uniform Police when they came under small arms fire during which he was fatally wounded. 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.