Military Police probe Afghan deaths

The Ministry of Defence said the inquiry was looking into the whether the two men, who died in an explosion in north-east of Gereshk in central Helmand on Wednesday, were caught up in a so-called "blue-on-blue" incident.

"We have confirmed that an investigation is under way into a suspected friendly fire incident," a MoD spokesman said.

Earlier the men were named as Captain Tom Sawyer, 26, of the Royal Artillery, and Corporal Danny Winter, 28, of the Royal Marines.

They had been taking part in a joint operation with Danish forces and the Afghan National Army to clear a known Taliban stronghold. Two other members of their patrol were also injured.

In a statement, the MoD said that it was normal practice for the Military Police to investigate when fatalities were involved.

"Prior to the incident, Nato forces operating under cover of darkness and in an area made up of a complex web of buildings, walls, irrigation ditches and farmland carried out a heavy bombardment of an enemy position using a variety of weapons," the statement said.

"Such is the nature of such operations our forces were working in a challenging environment under constant threat from enemy fire."

The MoD warned that the investigation would "take time to conclude" since it involved interviewing those involved, some of whom were injured, as well as considering "a multitude of technical issues".

Investigators will also have to visit the scene of the incident which, due to bad weather and the fact that it is in a high threat area, "will inevitably take time".