A British soldier from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment has been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

The soldier is the 310th British troop to be killed in action. The total number of losses - including accidents and illness - stands at 352.

The soldier was attempting to secure an area in the north of Nad-e Ali when he was hit by the Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

His family have been told.

Task Force Helmand spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "Unfortunately I must announce the sad loss of a soldier from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

"The soldier was part of ongoing operations to secure an area in the north of Nad-e Ali when he was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device.

"He was at the forefront of the fight to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, putting his life on the line to secure our nation.

"We salute his bravery and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."

Date : 05-02-2011