A SOLDIER has lost a leg as members of the Canterbury-based Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders fell victim to the increasingly bloody situation in Iraq.

Two soldiers were injured when their vehicles came under rebel fire. One was seriously injured and has been evacuated to Britain where he continues to be treated in hospital. The other was treated for less serious injuries to the neck and head in Iraq.

A third soldier has been flown back to Britain and had his leg amputated following injuries caused by a rocket-propelled grenade.

News has only just been released this week that a fourth soldier, a member of the locally-recruited Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment attached to the Highlanders in Iraq, lost at least one finger when he sustained a hand injury as a result of fighting about two weeks ago. He was also flown back to the UK.

The Ministry of Defence has not named the injured men. However, their families, at least one of which lives at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, have been made aware.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders are stationed at a number of locations around the southern city of Basra.