British soldier killed by US plane in Afghanistan

A British soldier killed in Afghanistan was a victim of "friendly fire" when an American warplane strafed the wrong area, it was revealed this afternoon.

The paratrooper was involved in a firefight with insurgents yesterday during a foot patrol when a US F-18 jet was called in to attack nearby enemy positions with cannon fire.

Bad weather had grounded helicopters in the area. It is the third friendly fire death of a British serviceman this year.

The soldier is from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment based in Colchester. His patrol clashed with fighters in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand province.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "It will be the subject of a full investigation. First reports indicate it was an attack on an insurgent position by a US aircraft, requested by and agreed with British forces. But the investigation is going on and I cannot say any more about it at the moment."

The family of the serviceman, who has not yet been named, have been told.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman said: "He has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Nad-e Ali from insurgent intimidation and defending his country from the threat of terrorism; no more could be asked of any soldier. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

The International Security Assistance Force is investigating. An Isaf spokesman said: "Afghan and coalition forces were engaged with enemy forces and requested close air support to suppress enemy fire. In the subsequent contact, an Isaf service member was killed."

A total of 346 UK personnel have died in Afghanistan since 2001.