A British soldier killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan has been named.

Corporal Barry Dempsey, from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, was part of a joint British-Afghan unit which was hit by a roadside bomb in Helmand province.

The attack also left an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldier, an Afghan National Army soldier, and the patrol's interpreter, with shrapnel and blast injuries.

The casualties were airlifted along with the body to the medical unit at Camp Bastion.

Corporal Dempsey's wife said: "Barry was a devoted husband and father. He has died doing a job he loved. His family and the Army was his life. He will be forever missed by his wife, children and family. He will never be forgotten. He died a hero."

British Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Reynolds said: "Everyone in Task Force Helmand is affected by the death of a soldier, and the thoughts and sympathies of us all are with the family at this most difficult time."

The fatality brings the total number of British military deaths in Afghanistan to 116 since the start of operations in November 2001.

Of those, the MoD said 85 have been killed as a result of hostile action.

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Cpl Dempsey yesterday morning.

"He was a selfless and brave professional, putting himself in harm's way to provide the very best of medical care to his colleagues and Afghans alike. My thoughts are with his family, friends and members of his regiment at this very difficult time."

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