A solder from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, based at Shorncliffe Barracks, Folkestone has been killed during operations with Afghan Police partners in the the Nahr-e Saraj region of Helmand Province (15 October).

The Ministry of Defence made the announcement  on Saturday 15th October.

He has since been named by the Ministry as Rifleman Vijay Rai.

Lt Col Gordon Mackenzie, spokesman for Task Force Helmand said: "“It is with great sadness that I announce that a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles was killed during operations with Afghan Police partners to extend security in the Nahr-e Saraj region of Helmand.

"Whilst protecting a checkpoint, his team came under insurgent small arms fire, during which he received a fatal gunshot wound.

“"The thoughts and prayers of all those serving in Helmand are with his family at this very difficult time.”"

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©