Soldier from 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment killed in Afghanistan

The soldier, serving as a part of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (South), was a member of a joint foot patrol with Afghan National Security Forces to reassure the local population when he was killed in the explosion from an improvised explosive device.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie, said:

"It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the death of a soldier from the 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment earlier today after an explosion in the Jamal Kowi area of Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand province.

"Our deepest condolences are extended to his family at this very difficult time and all of our thoughts and prayers are with them."

The soldier's family have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.