A BRITISH soldier has been shot dead during a firefight in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

A BRITISH soldier has been shot dead during a firefight in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed as a result of small arms fire in the Musa Qala area yesterday evening.

Next of kin have been informed. His death was not linked to the ongoing Operation Moshtarak.