British soldier killed in Iraq

A British soldier has died after being shot on a routine patrol in southern Iraq.

It is the first military death in the war-torn country for four weeks.

The latest casualty, who was serving with the Second Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was hit by small arms fire in Basra.

Major David Gell, military spokesman in Basra, said: "We can confirm that a British soldier was shot while on patrol. He was evacuated to Basra Palace, but subsequently died of his injuries.

"He would have been stabilised by a team medic and evacuated straight away, but unfortunately the injuries the soldier sustained were not survivable.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

The Ministry of Defence said the soldier's next of kin have been informed.

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