Soldier from 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery killed in Afghanistan

The soldier was killed in a small arms fire engagement with insurgent forces in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.

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

"It is my sad duty to inform you that a soldier from 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery was killed this morning in Nad 'Ali, Helmand province.

"He was attached to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and serving as part of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Battle Group.

"The soldier was part of a combined foot patrol, consisting of Afghan National Police and British soldiers, that was seeking to provide security for the local population, when he was engaged and killed by small arms fire. He died seeking to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans.

"He will be sorely missed and his actions will not be forgotten."

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