Two more British servicemen have been killed in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence announced today.

The first soldier was from Gurkha Reinforcement Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian. The MoD said that he died on Thursday as a result of wounds sustained during a helicopter incident while on patrol on Tuesday.

He was flown back to Britain for treatment but died yesterday at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. His family were with him at the time of his death.

Major Ronnie Goodwin, Officer Commanding the Rear Operations Group, 1 MERCIAN, said, "He gave his life trying to improve the lives of people in Helmand by providing much needed reassurance and security.

"Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this difficult time. He will be missed and remembered by all ranks of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)."

In a separate incident a soldier from 21 Engineer Regiment was killed today by small arms fire in the Sangin district of Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel David Southall, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said, "He died a Sapper, doing his duty amongst his comrades as he sought to improve security for the people of Afghanistan. His courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten."