British soldier is killed in Iraq

The soldier's death is not said to be linked to Basra operations

A British soldier has been killed during a firefight in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier died from gunshot wounds after clashes in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The soldier's family have been informed. They have asked that no further information about the soldier be released, the MoD said.

It is understood the soldier's death is not linked to operations in Basra.

There is no indication of where the incident took place.

An MoD spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that the MoD must announce the death of a British soldier in Iraq.

"The soldier died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight in the early hours of Wednesday March 26 2008.

"The MoD will not be providing any further updates in line with the wishes of the family, who are in our thoughts at this difficult time."

It brings the total number of British military casualties in Iraq to 176, since hostilities began in March 2003.

In recent days US and Iraqi forces have been engaged in fierce fighting against Shiite militia both in Baghdad and Basra.

The attacks have left 15 dead in Baghdad's main Shiite district of Sadr City in recent days.

Nationwide 300 people have been wounded, 200 of them in Basra.