UK soldier killed in Afghan blast

The death takes the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan to 121

A British soldier has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from the D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment, died during a routine patrol in Helmand province.

Task force spokesman Lt Col Woody Page said all thoughts were with his family and unit. The soldier's next of kin have been informed.

The death brings the number of soldiers killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 121.

Lt Col Page said: "We are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with his family and his unit at this tragic time."

The soldier's death on Wednesday follows that of Nicky Mason, 26, of the 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, in an explosion in Helmand on 13 September.

Most of Britain's 8,000 troops in Afghanistan are based in Helmand.