Shropshire based soldier killed in Afghanistan

A Shropshire based soldier from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment has died in an "operational accident" in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

The incident, in the Nad Ali district of Helmand, is being investigated.

The MoD said the soldier's next of kin had been informed.

The Royal Irish Regiment is based at Tern Hill Barracks.

His death brings the number of British military deaths in Afghanistan since 2001 to 351. They include 42 who died in accidents, from illnesses, or from non-combat injuries.

See Saturday's Shropshire Star for full story.