A 28-year-old Kent-based soldier killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan has been identified.

Rifleman Yubraj Rai - a member of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, based in Folkestone - died on Tuesday afternoon.

He was taking part in a joint International Security Assistance Force/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. He had been in Afghanistan for two months.

Former Gurkha soldier and Folkestone councillor Dhan Gurung said: "He was a very hard worker, a very helpful person and a very good person.

"We are all in shock. He is the first Gurkha from Folkestone to die in the frontline in Afghanistan, although many others have been injured."

Gordon Brown paid tribute to Rifleman Rai during Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Commander Paula Rowe, said: "The death of this soldier has left us all deeply saddened.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and comrades at this very difficult time."

Rifleman Rai was enlisted into the Army in 1999. He was stationed in Folkestone for around two and a half years.

Folkestone’s 2RGR are in Afghanistan as one of the Force Protection troops for the Commando Logistic Regiment, deployed as part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.

The Logistic Regiment is based in Camp Bastion and is responsible for running the hugely complex combat logistic patrols, which deliver supplies and kit to the UK troops stationed in various parts of Helmand province.

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