UK soldier dies in southern Iraq

The injured soldiers are being treated at a field hospital

One British soldier has been killed and three others injured in an attack in Iraq's Basra province, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

A spokesman in Basra, southern Iraq, told the BBC the casualties were being treated at Britain's Shaibah base.

A BBC correspondent in Baghdad said a roadside bomb had been detonated as the soldiers' convoy passed. The MoD said an investigation was ongoing.

The death brings the number of UK soldiers killed in Iraq to 95.

In a statement, the MoD said the fatal attack took place at approximately 11.15 (0815 BST).

As always, my thoughts are with the family, and the families of those injured, in this appalling act of violence John Reid Defence Secretary

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time," it said.

Speaking from Kosovo, where he is visiting British troops, Defence Secretary John Reid sent his condolences.

He said: "I was greatly saddened to hear this morning of the death of a British soldier on duty in Iraq.

"As always, my thoughts are with the family, and the families of those injured, in this appalling act of violence."

The Shaibah base, about 10 miles south-west of Basra, is the British logistics headquarters in Iraq.

On 5 September two British soldiers were also killed by a roadside bomb as they travelled in a convoy five miles east of the base.