A soldier serving with a regiment based in Folkestone has been killed in action.

The soldier, who has not been named, was killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan yesterday.

A member of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, he was taking part in a join ISAF/Afghan National Security Forces operation in the Musa Qala area of Helmand province.

The Ministry of Defence has said he received medical treatment at the scene, but died of his wounds.

Spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said: “The death of this soldier has left us all deeply saddened. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through, and the thoughts of everyone in Task Force Helmand are with this soldier’s family, friends and comrades at this very difficult time”.

Next of kin have been informed and www.kentishexpress.co.uk will have further details as they emerge.