UK marine killed in Afghanistan

The marine had been conducting a foot patrol when he was killed

A British marine has been killed in Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

It said an explosion in Helmand province killed the marine, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, while on foot patrol on Wednesday.

The marine's next of kin have been informed, the MoD said.

The latest death means the number of British military personnel killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 stands at 288.

The marine had been serving as part of Combined Forces Sangin, Helmand.

The serviceman had been working to reassure locals and understand their concerns about living in the area.

Lt Col James Carr-Smith, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said the marine had been conducting a reassurance foot patrol in the Green Zone around Sangin when he was struck by an explosion.

"His boldness and commitment to the mission will not be forgotten. He died a marine. He will be sorely missed and we will remember him," said Col Carr-Smith.

The marine's death follows that of a British soldier killed on Wednesday in a firefight with insurgents in southern Afghanistan.

The soldier, who was from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, died from a bullet wound in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand province.