Soldier dies at Camp Bastion

A soldier from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers has died in Aghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The serviceman's death at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province is not thought to be the result of hostile action, although an investigation into the circumstances is continuing.

The member of 104 Force Support Battalion was attached to 4 Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

His next of kin have been informed.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Parry, spokesman for Joint Force Support (Afghanistan), said: "It is with deep sadness that I must report the death of a soldier from 4 Close Support Battalion, REME, at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province.

"The condolences of all personnel serving with Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) are with the soldier's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

Today's death brings the total number of members of UK forces to have died since operations in Afghanistan began in October 2001 to 431.

PA