Soldier killed in Afghan firefight

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The soldier was part of a routine patrol in Helmand Province which encountered Taliban forces.

In the ensuing firefight the 2 Para soldier was shot in the head and killed instantly, an MoD spokesman said. Next-of-kin have been informed.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds said: "Until you have experienced the death of a family member it is hard to absorb the pain that this soldier's family, friends and comrades feel.

"His family are in the thoughts of everyone in Task Force Helmand and hopefully that will bring some comfort to them."

The soldier's death comes after decorated war hero Warrant Officer Class 2 Gary O'Donnell was killed trying to disarm a Taliban bomb in Afghanistan on Wednesday.