A BRITISH soldier has died in Afghanistan after his patrol came under fire.

A BRITISH soldier has died in Afghanistan after his patrol came under fire.

The soldier, who is thought to have been based in either Suffolk or Essex, died last night while two of his colleagues were left injured.

He was from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment. The injured men were from 2 Para, which is based in Colchester.

An MoD spokesman said their routine patrol came under enemy fire at 6.18pm local time.

He went on: “Whilst returning fire one soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was injured by a mine.

“While leaving the scene after suppressing the enemy, a vehicle other soldiers were travelling in hit a suspected improvised explosive device.

“One soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment was injured and one soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers sustained serious injuries.

“The soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, despite the best medical efforts at the scene, died a few minutes later.

“All casualties were extracted to Bastion medical facilities where they received medical care. Their injuries are not life threatening.

“The soldiers' next-of-kin have been informed and have requested a 24-hour period of grace before further details are released.”

The latest death brings the number of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan to 111.