Marine killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

A Royal Marine has been killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

The marine, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, was involved in an operation yesterday to search a compound in the Loy Mandeh Wadi area of the Nad-e Ali (North) District of Helmand province, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Next of kin have been informed.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of a Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines.

"The Royal Marine was involved in an operation which was investigating suspected insurgent activity in a number of compounds in the Loy Mandeh Wadi area of the Nad-e Ali district in Helmand province when he was fatally injured by an improvised explosive device. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

The marine is expected to be named today.

The death takes the number of UK military personnel who have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001 to 365.