Soldier killed in Afghanistan named

The latest British soldier killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named as Jonathan Mathews.

His death brings the number of UK troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 to 113.

The soldier from the 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland was killed by a single gun shot wound after coming under fire while on foot patrol in the Marjah area, west of Lashkar Gah.

He was evacuated to the Joint Force Medical Facility at Camp Bastion by helicopter but despite medical efforts, died as a result of his injuries.

His family said in a statement: "Jonathan trained all his life for the job he was doing, loved what he did, died doing what he loved, he was well respected.

"Loved by his wife Shona, daughter Meghan and stepson William and all the family. A lover of the outdoors, an army man through and through, we will miss him, but it gives us great comfort knowing he died doing what he trained to do - he would not have had it any other way."

Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Campbell, Commanding Officer The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland added: "The death of Sergeant Jon Mathews has come as a great shock to the Battalion.

"A hugely popular man, he was a fine senior non-commissioned officer who loved his job and cared deeply about those in his charge."

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