The commanding officer of the Canterbury-based Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders has been shot in the leg in Afghanistan.

Lt Col David Richmond, 41, is one of the most senior servicemen to have been injured in the conflict.

He was leading his troops on Thursday against the Taliban near the town of Musa Qala in Helmand Province when he was struck down by an enemy bullet, according to local reports.

Maj Adam Fairrie, of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, of which the Argylls are part, said: "The commanding officer has received the very best medical care following him sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.

"He will be returning to Selly Oak in due course.

"His thoughts are very much with the families of the members of the Parachute Regiment who died in other incidents and also with his battalion who, along with all the coalition, are continuing to make progress in Afghanistan.

"His family ask for their privacy to be respected."

The Argylls, based at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, are in Afghanistan on a six-month tour of duty.