British soldier is killed in Iraq

The soldier, from the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed while taking part in a routine patrol in Basra City.

The Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle which he was travelling in was targeted by a roadside bomb.

He was airlifted to the Field Hospital at Shaibah Logistics Base, but died later as a result of his injuries.

There were no other casualties.

The MoD said the soldier's family, who have been informed of their relative's death, have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

The total number of UK troops killed in operations in Iraq now stands at 127.

Of those, 96 died in action. The rest of the deaths were caused by accidents, natural causes or illness, remain unexplained, or are still under investigation.