British soldier dies in Helmand

A British soldier serving in the Household Cavalry has died in Afghanistan after a roadside attack, bringing to 121 the number of UK troops killed in the country since October 2001.

The serviceman was on a routine patrol 14 miles north of the Forward Operating Base Delhi in the dangerous Helmand province when his unit has attacked.

The Household Cavalry operates in a supporting role for the other British forces in the country, and the death is the third suffered by theregiment in Afghanistan. The soldier's family has been notified of the death.

Lieutenant Colonel Woody Page, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "We are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with his family and his Unit at this tragic time".

Prince Harry served with the armoured Bues and Royals, one of the two arms of the Household Cavalry, during his ten-week tour of duty in Afghanistan earlier this year.