Royal Marine dies in Afghanistan

The marine was killed after a firefight

A Royal Marine has died during a battle with insurgents in the troubled Helmand province of southern Afghanistan.

Nato said that its forces were involved in an exchange of fire and the Ministry of Defence subsequently confirmed that a British marine had died.

The MoD also said he was with Plymouth-based 42 Commando and that he was hit by small arms fire.

It said a helicopter evacuated him to the hospital at Camp Bastion, where he was pronounced dead.

An MoD statement gave further detail on how the marine died.

Forces were patrolling to the north of Now Zad, a district in north Helmand, when they came under attack from Taleban forces.

Next of kin have now been informed and no other servicemen were injured.

The Commander of the UK Task Force, Brigadier Jerry Thomas RM, said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of a Royal Marine.

"Our thoughts, sympathy and prayers are very much with the family, friends and colleagues."

He added: "The Royal Marines company involved in today's attack remains in Now Zad providing support to the Afghan government and remains fully committed to the task."

The family have requested a period of privacy so that they can come to terms with their loss and inform friends and wider family.

Last week, Jonathan Wigley, of Zulu Company 45 Commando Royal Marines, also died in Afghanistan after a battle with Taleban fighters.