A BRITISH soldier from A Company 4 Rifles has been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said tonight.

The death of the soldier, serving as part of 3 Rifles Battle Group, takes the toll of British dead in Afghanistan to 250 since the start of the campaign.

The soldier died as a result of an explosion near Sangin, in central Helmand Province, this afternoon. Next of kin have been informed.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said: "It is my sad duty to inform you that a British soldier from A Company 4 Rifles, serving as part of 3 Rifles Battle Group, was killed by an explosion near Sangin in Helmand Province earlier today.

"He was on a foot patrol, part of a larger operation to provide security for the local population in Sangin, when the explosion happened. His courage and the sacrifice he has made will not be forgotten."