The serviceman was killed on Sunday when his vehicle was caught in a blast north of Sangin, Helmand Province. Next of kin have been informed.

The death brings the number of British personnel who have died in Afghanistan since 2001 to 97.

Two other British personnel were injured in the incident.

An MoD spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that the MoD must confirm that a British serviceperson was killed yesterday in Afghanistan and two others injured.

"The incident happened at approximately 12.50pm, 2km north of Sangin, when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion.

"The incident happened as British forces returned to their operating base following operations in the Musa Qaleh area.

"The two injured service personnel were airlifted to Camp Bastion for medical treatment.

"The next of kin have been informed and have requested a 24 hour period of grace before further details are released."

Brigadier General Carlos Branco, spokesman for the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these brave soldiers."