The MoD said the soldier's next of kin have been informed.

The death on Monday afternoon brings the total number of UK troops killed while serving in Afghanistan since 2001 to 133.

Four Royal Marines were killed last week in southern Afghanistan in two separate explosions.

The soldier, who has not been named yet, was at a Forward Operating Base in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province when he was wounded.

He received immediate medical treatment and was taken by helicopter to a military hospital in Kandahar but died from his injuries.

Commander Paula Rowe said: "The death of this soldier is another hard blow to everyone at Task Force Helmand.

"Our loss is nothing though compared to that of his family and friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this dreadful time."

BBC Online