TWO Colchester-based soldiers were killed today in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

TWO Colchester-based soldiers were killed today in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The soldiers were from the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment. Their names have not been released but the MoD said next of kin had been informed.

It is believed the troops were shot while on foot patrol. A third soldier was injured and is receiving treatment.

It comes four days after three privates from the battalion were killed in a suicide bombing in the Upper Sangin Valley of Southern Afghanistan on Sunday.

Private Nathan Cuthbertson, 19, Private Daniel Gamble, 22 and Private Charles Murray, 19, were all killed in the blast.

Tomorrow, two minutes of silence will be observed on the steps of Colchester Town Hall in memory of the fallen soldiers.