10 August 2012 Last updated at 14:19 ET

UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

British troops are hoping to hand over the combat role to Afghan soldiers by 2014

A British soldier from 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron has been killed in Afghanistan.

It comes only hours after another soldier was reported killed in the same Nad-e-Ali district.

The latest casualty was serving with the 26 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers and his next of kin have been informed.

His death takes the number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001 to 424.

The soldier died of injuries sustained by "enemy action" while he was involved in a construction task.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Major Ian Lawrence said: "The death of this brave engineer will be felt deeply by his family, friends and all those who served alongside him. We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to them at this difficult time."

The identities of the soldiers are expected to be announced on Saturday.