Soldier killed in Afghanistan blast

The soldier, who was attached to 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was on patrol in the Nad e Ali district of central Helmand province.

An MoD spokesman said the soldier's next of kin have been informed. Spokesman for Task Force Helmand Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "We share in the pain that is felt by his family, friends and colleagues at the loss of this courageous soldier; our thoughts and prayers are with them."

The soldier is the 19th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan this month.

Since the start of operations in 2001, 188 British service personnel have died.

Tributes were paid to a British bomb disposal expert who died on Monday while trying to defuse a roadside explosive device in Helmand province.

Captain Dan Shepherd, 28, from 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, was described as "unbelievably courageous" by a commanding officer.

Capt Shepherd, from Lincoln, remained "unflappable" in the face of danger, Major Eldon Millar said.

"He was devoted to his team, all of whom adored him for both his professional ability and generosity of spirit. On task he was the epitome of cool, calm and collected - he was utterly unflappable, a trait which inspired enormous confidence in all who served alongside him."

Capt Shepherd had a wife Kerry, and leaves behind parents David and Judith and his brother Paul.