Claims Brit Soldier Killed By Afghan Army Member

Reports that a British soldier killed on Saturday in Helmand Province was shot by a member of the Afghan army are being investigated.

He was serving with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's).

The soldier was supporting a routine patrol alongside the Afghan National Army when both groups came under small arms fire.

They had been meeting members of the public in the Nahr e Saraj district of Helmand Province when the attack happened.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, said: "A report that the fatal gunshot was fired by an Afghan National Army soldier is now the subject of a joint International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Security Force investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldier's family and friends."

The death brings the total number of British forces killed in action in Afghanistan to 332.

Including those who have died as a result of accidents or illnesses, that is a total loss of 375 British personnel.

The soldier's family has been informed.

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