Woman killed in Afghan blast named

Sarah Bryant, 26, was killed with three male soldiers in the deadliest attack on UK forces in the troubled country since hostilities began in 2001.

The identity of the soldier was confirmed by her father, Des Feely. He was too upset to talk about the tragedy but earlier he told a newspaper: "It is truly devastating ... an absolute massive shock. Ever since she was a schoolgirl it was her dream to be a soldier. I cannot believe she will not come home."

Sgt Bryant and the three male soldiers were killed while taking part in a planned operation east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, when their vehicle was caught in an explosion.

Three were killed in the blast and the fourth pronounced dead on arrival at Camp Bastion, the Ministry of Defence said. It is understood the men were special forces reservists with the 23rd SAS Regiment. A fifth soldier wounded in the attack is said to be in a stable condition.

The incident took the UK's death toll over a bloody 10-day period to nine, with a total of 106 British service personnel having died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in November 2001.

Sgt Bryant married fellow intelligence officer Carl Bryant, her long time sweetheart, two years ago, reports say.

She had done two six month tours to Iraq and been promoted recently to the rank of Sergeant in the Intelligence Corps.

Sgt Bryant spoke the local Pashtu language, and her work involved monitoring Taliban telephone and walkie-talkie communications.

Mr Feely, of Cotehill, Carlisle, said he and wife Maureen were "absolutely devastated to have lost the beautiful daughter we adored".