An Army dog handler has been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The serviceman, who was part of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, died while on patrol in the Sangin area of Helmand Province on Thursday.

Another six soldiers were wounded and an explosives sniffer dog was killed in the incident.

An MoD spokesman said: "A routine patrol from Forward Operating Base Inkerman in the Sangin area came under enemy fire.

"Five other soldiers from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment and one from 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment were injured by small arms fire.

"Five of the casualties are now unlisted and will be returning to duties, the remaining casualty will be returning to the UK for further treatment. The soldier’s injuries are not life threatening."

The victims' next of kin have been informed, the ministry said.

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