Soldier dies in Afghan accident

A British soldier has been killed in an accident in northern Helmand in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

He was servicing a vehicle when the accident happened.

An MOD spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm the death of a British soldier in an accident involving a vehicle undergoing routine maintenance at UK base in northern Helmand.

"The circumstances are being investigated."

A spokesman later said the family had been informed of the death, but had asked for 24 hours "grace" before his identity was released.

The spokesman added: "I can confirm that he was a member of the Household Cavalry regiment."

The death caps a tragic week for British personnel in the country, with a further two soldiers killed in the last few days.

Leigh Reeves, 25, of Leicester, was serving with the Royal Logistic Corps, when he died in a road accident at Camp Souter, in Kabul, on Wednesday afternoon. No-one else was injured.

On Sunday, Private Andrew Barrie Cutts, of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, died after taking part in the biggest offensive operation yet mounted by UK forces against the Taliban.

The latest death brings the toll of servicemen who have perished in Afghanistan over the last two months to 12.