Soldier from 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment killed in Afghanistan

The soldier was killed in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

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

"It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, attached to the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was killed this morning in northern Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province.

"He was involved in an operation that was seeking to improve freedom of movement for ordinary Afghans when tragically he was killed in an explosion. He will be sorely missed by us all but his courage in the face of danger will not be forgotten."

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