A British paratrooper serving with special forces has been killed in a notoriously violent area of southern Afghanistan.
The soldier, from 1st Battalion the Parachute Regiment, died after being hit by a suspected improvised explosive device while on a foot patrol with Afghan troops near Sangin in Helmand Province on Tuesday afternoon. His family has been informed.
He was the fifth member of UK forces to be killed this month in the volatile Sangin area, where Afghan and Nato troops are currently carrying out a security operation.
Meanwhile, scores of people paid tribute to the 100th British serviceman killed in Afghanistan this year.
Members of the public lined the streets for the funeral service of Lance Corporal Adam Drane, 23, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
L/Cpl Drane was buried with full military honours at a private ceremony following the service at St Mary's Church. He was shot in Helmand province on December 7.
Vicar Malcolm Rogers told the soldier's family the nation was "proud".
"We know this is one service you never wish to attend," he said. "I hope you know how proud the people of Suffolk, indeed the people of this country, are of your son."
"We wish to express our tremendous pride," his parents Desmond and Jackie Drane said in a note on the order of service.
"Adam died at his post, protecting his company, in the service of his country."
