Explosions kill two British soldiers in Afghanistan

A BRITISH soldier has died after his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in southern Iraq.

The soldier, from 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed while taking part in a routine patrol in Basra City.

The Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle in which he was travelling was targeted by a roadside bomb on Thursday, the MoD said.

The soldier was seriously injured, and airlifted to the field hospital at Shaibah Logistics Base, but died later from his injuries. There were no other casualties.

The latest death brings the total number of UK service personnel who have died since the start of hostilities to 127.

• A Scottish-based serviceman killed when his vehicle was involved in an explosion in Afghanistan was last night described as a "professionally outstanding soldier" with the potential for a long and successful career.

Lance Bombardier James Dwyer, 22, of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, was taking part in a reconnaissance mission in the desert in Garmsir in the southern province of Helmand when the blast occurred on Wednesday.

Lance Bombardier Dwyer, who was based at Arbroath, was born and raised in South Africa before joining the army.

His sister is also serving in the British Army.