The number of British troops killed since the start of operations in Afghanistan has reached 204, with five more deaths announced on Sunday.

Three British soldiers from The 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers died in an explosion while on patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province on Sunday morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said: "The whole of Task Force Helmand feels the weight of such great loss. Words mean very little in such an extremely sad situation but our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these brave soldiers. We share their pain and mourn the loss of these true British heroes."

Their families have been informed.

Another soldier died in the UK from wounds suffered in Helmand Province on Thursday. He was from The 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh and was injured in an explosion while on vehicle patrol near Musa Qal'eh.

He died at the Royal College of Defence Medicine, in Selly Oak, West Midlands. The soldier's next of kin have been informed.

A fifth soldier was confirmed dead today by the Ministry of Defence. The serviceman from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers died in an explosion while on foot patrol near Sangin in Helmand Province.

Next of kin have been informed.

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