A paratrooper based in Colchester has been killed in fighting in Afghanistan.
The soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment was seriously injured by an explosion during a gun battle with Taliban insurgents yesterday morning.
He died as he was being airlifted from the scene, near Nahri Sarrj in Helmand.
Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds said: "Everyone in Task Force Helmand is affected by the death of a soldier, and the thoughts and sympathies of us all are with the family at this most difficult time."
Next of kin have been informed.
The soldier is the 114th British serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001, and the ninth Colchester-based soldier to be killed during the current tour by 16 Air Assault Brigade.
- More later today and in tomorrow's Gazette
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