A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the soldier, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in Helmand Province as a result of "enemy action".

The soldier's next of kin had been informed, the spokesman said. The family had requested a 24-hour period before his name was released.

The MoD said it expected to name the soldier this afternoon but would not be releasing any further information about the incident.

The latest death brings the toll of fatalities among British forces personnel in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 to 56.

Of these, 34 were killed in action - including two who died as a result of injuries sustained in action - while 22 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents.