British soldier killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier has been shot dead in Southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence confirmed today.

The serviceman from 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's) was killed while conducting a routine patrol with members of the Afghan National Army yesterday, officials said.

Next of kin have been informed.

The MoD said an investigation was under way into reports that the soldier was shot by a member of the Afghan National Army.

The serviceman, who is yet to be named, was part of The Brigade Advisory Group carrying out a routine patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj District, officials added.

He was providing fire support for a unit of comrades from his Jackal vehicle when he was shot, according to the MoD

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of a soldier from the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's).

"The soldier was on a routine partnered patrol with the Afghan National Army in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province, to engage with the local population, when the patrol came under small arms fire.

"The soldier received a fatal gunshot wound during this incident.

"A report that the fatal gunshot was fired by an Afghan National Army soldier is now the subject of a joint International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Security Force investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldier's family and friends."

PA