MARINE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN BLAST

The serviceman from 45 Commando Royal Marines died as he took part in a routine patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province, the MoD said.

Commander Paula Rowe, spokeswoman for Task Force Helmand, said: "Every death is tragic, yet at the turning of the year, with the celebration and hope it promises, this loss is all the harder to bear.

"All our thoughts go to his family, friends and colleagues who will be devastated by his sacrifice."

The marine is the 137th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan since the start of operations in October 2001. He is also the 12th Royal Marine to die in the past two months.

Next of kin have been informed.