A soldier attached to the Norfolk-based Light Dragoons was killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan yesterday, according to the Ministry of Defence.

A soldier attached to the Norfolk-based Light Dragoons was killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan yesterday, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The serviceman, who was due to be named later today, died while on patrol in Babaji in Helmand Province.

It is believed the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The family of the soldier, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to the Light Dragoons, based in Swanton Morley, have been informed.

He was part of British forces holding territory won in Operation Panther's Claw, a massive UK-led offensive against the Taliban.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wenham, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: 'The loss of a soldier, friend and colleague is tragic and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.'