Marine dies from Afghan wounds

The unnamed marine was travelling in a Viking vehicle in Helmand

A Royal Marine has died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The marine, from the Royal Marine Armoured Support Group, died at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

He was injured when a blast hit his Viking vehicle near Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, on 22 May.

The marine, understood to be from north Wales, was treated at the scene before returning to the UK for specialist care. His family has been informed.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "It is with extreme sadness that I must report the death of a brave marine.

"He laid down his life for his country and the good people of Afghanistan. We grieve for his loss and join with his family and friends to mourn his passing."

The death brings the number of British service personnel who have died in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001 to 162.