UK soldier killed in Iraq attack

A British soldier has been killed in south Iraq as a military convoy was attacked, the Ministry of Defence says.

Lt Karim Lueibi, of the Iraqi police, told AP news agency a roadside bomb had exploded near the troops.

The MoD told the BBC News website they were still investigating the incident, but believed the death was caused by an explosion rather than other means.

Four other soldiers were hurt and were flown to hospital from the Kahla area, south of Amara, a spokesman added.

"All are currently being treated for their injuries," he said.

The MoD says it will not release the name of the dead soldier until Monday but says the next of kin have now been informed.

'Unusual' attack

The troops were on a mission to meet Iraqi security forces when they were attacked on Sunday.

There are currently about 8,000 British soldiers in the south of Iraq.

The BBC's Alistair Leithead in Baghdad said: "It's quite unusual for British troops to be targeted as they control the more stable Shia-dominated areas in the south of the country where the new government is, largely, supported.

"Certainly, there is not the level of insurgency and violence targeting troops as in the areas in and around Baghdad and the Sunni triangle, where American forces work."

British forces are mostly based in the south of Iraq

Earlier this month, Anthony Wakefield became the 87th UK soldier to die during the conflict after a roadside bomb blast in the same area.

Messages have recently been posted on a website from a terror group linked to al-Qaeda, threatening more attacks on British soldiers.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Michael Moore said: "Our first thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed and injured.

"We all continue to admire how British servicemen and women carry out their duties with professionalism and courage in such difficult conditions," he said.

The Ministry of Defence has issued a phone number for relatives worried about the welfare of family members serving in Iraq. It is 08457 800900.