A Norfolk-based soldier was killed in Afghanistan the Ministry of Defence has announced. The soldier from Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons was killed as a result of an explosion while he was on a vehicle patrol in Helmand province.

A Norfolk-based soldier was killed in Afghanistan this morning, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The soldier from Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons was killed as a result of an explosion that happened shortly after Operation Panchai Palang, or Panther's Claw, had finished in Lashkar Gah district, central Helmand province.

It brings the total number of Norfolk-based soldiers killed in Afghanistan this month to four. Three of those were Light Dragoons.

In a second separate incident a second soldier from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery was also killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol in Sangin district, Helmand province.

He was not part of Operation Panchai Palang.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said: "It is with deep regret that we report the death of another two soldiers in Helmand province. These fine British soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice and their memory will live with us forever. We mourn their loss and our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends at this very sad time."

In both cases next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.