Soldier dies in Afghan blast - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Soldier dies in Afghan blast

A British soldier has died in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The serviceman, serving with the Royal Logistic Corps, was on a routine patrol near Musa Qala in Helmand Province when he was killed.

Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "This soldier's death will have a lasting impact on his family and friends as well as those who served alongside him. We will ensure that he is never forgotten."

Next of kin have been informed.

Military officials are investigating the cause of the explosion, the MoD said.

Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, spokesman for Nato-led Isaf forces in Afghanistan, said: "We are saddened by this soldier's death, and our deepest condolences go to the family and loved ones.

"This soldier's life was taken while helping to bring peace and security to the people of Afghanistan."

The death takes the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in October 2001 to 118.

The MoD is expected to name the soldier on Friday.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
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
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet