Soldier dies after Afghanistan blast

ANOTHER Essex soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

The serviceman, who has not yet been named, died in the Helmand province yesterday after he was seriously injured in an explosion.

The soldier was from the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester.

Next of kin have been informed.

The soldier is the ninth from the Colchester-based regiment to die in Afghanistan in a matter of weeks.

In a statement this morning, Major Aidan Coogan, Regimental Adjutant of the Parachute Regiment, said: “It is with profound and deep regret that once again this Headquarters is in a position to be making a statement regarding the loss of another soldier from 2 PARA killed whilst conducting Operations in Afghanistan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, colleagues and friends of the dead soldier.

“The circumstances of this latest incident clearly highlight the continuing threat that our soldiers in theatre face and I again wish to pay tribute to their courage, commitment and determination.

“Their readiness to continually operate against a vast number of threats and willingness to make sacrifices for each other truly shows that they are extraordinary people and we are rightly proud of them.

“I would like to also take this opportunity to once again thank the members of the public who continue to show us support; this has been particularly relevant during all of our funeral services where the kindness, generosity and support given to the families has been particularly welcome in what have been very difficult times.”

The tragedy came a day after the body of Corporal Jason Barnes, 25, who lived in Colchester, was flown into RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire.

Cpl Barnes, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 2 Para, died in a suspected roadside bomb last Tuesday.

He was driving an ambulance at the time of his death.