A COLCHESTER-based soldier was one of two to be shot and killed in Afghanistan today, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

They were hit by small arms fire while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province this morning.

One was from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, which is part of the 16th Air Assault Brigade based at Colchester Garrison.

The other was serving with the 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, a Territorial Army unit based in Pudsey, west Yorkshire.

Next of kin have been informed.