Royal Marine killed in Afghan blast - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Royal Marine killed in Afghan blast

A Royal Marine has died in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

He is the 208th member of British forces to die since the involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001.

An MoD spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirms that a Royal Marine has died following an explosion whilst on a foot patrol near Gereshk in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in the early hours of this morning (Saturday)."

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "This Marine gave his life for his country and the freedom of the Afghan people; there is no greater sacrifice than this.

"Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to his family and loved ones."

Next of kin have been informed.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity