A soldier from Colchester has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The member of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment was hit in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province. His next of kin have been told.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman said he died fighting oppression and intimidation, and would not be forgotten.

The number of UK military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 stands at 350.

Lt Col Eastman said: “The soldier was assisting in the clearance of an area to the south of Nahr-e-Saraj in order to provide a safe and secure environment for the local population, when he was hit by an explosion.

“He has given his life in the service of others, fighting oppression and intimidation - no more could be asked of any soldier.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this deeply sad time. He will not be forgotten.”