A British Bomb Disposal Expert has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The soldier, from 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, was clearing a road in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand Province, when he was caught in the blast.

He was serving with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force. The soldier's family has been informed of his death.

Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Sadly, I must report the death of a soldier from 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, working with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, this afternoon.

"The soldier was participating in an operation to clear an area north of Lashkar Gah, when an improvised explosive device was initiated. "As a member of the Counter-IED Task Force he was at the very forefront of the fight against terrorism, and gave his all to make a better, more secure life for the people of Afghanistan and our own nation."

"His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."

A total of 348 UK military personnel have died since operations in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Date : 29-12-2010