A SOLDIER was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The soldier, from The 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died on Sunday morning as a result of the blast in Sangin, in northern Helmand province.

Lt Col Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: "It is with extreme sadness that I must report the death of a brave soldier.

"He laid down his life for his country and the good people of Afghanistan.

"We grieve for his loss and join with his family and friends to mourn his passing."

The MoD said next of kin had been informed.

The latest casualty takes the UK death toll in the country to 186.

Helicopters

It comes in the wake of calls to increase the number of helicopters available to British troops.

Conservative leader David Cameron and former defence secretary John Hutton are among those who have said the Afghan campaign needs better resourcing.

Gordon Brown has insisted that UK troops are 'properly equipped' and promised: "We will do whatever is necessary and what is right to equip our Armed Forces."

The latest casualty takes to 17 the number of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan this month as Nato forces stepped up operations against the Taliban.

Many died taking part in Operation Panchai Palang, or Panther's Claw - a major assault against insurgents in Helmand ahead of next month's Afghan elections.

Some 3,000 troops are involved in the operation, which began on June 19 and has seen fierce fighting and significant casualties on both sides.

The serviceman who died yesterday was not taking part in Operation Panchai Palang.

British forces have now suffered seven more casualties in Afghanistan than they did in Iraq.

Professional

Meanwhile, an inquest is to begin into the death of a Salford soldier who was killed in Afghanistan, described as the 'very epitome of a modern professional soldier' by his commanding officer.

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, from 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, was on a routine logistic convoy moving vital engineer equipment to a Forward Operating Base nearly 12 miles north-east of the town of Gereshk when the truck he was in was hit by an explosion on September 17 2007.

An emergency response helicopter was sent to the scene of the blast but despite medical efforts L/Cpl Violino was pronounced dead on arrival at the field hospital at Camp Bastion.

L/Cpl Violino, 29, had been in Afghanistan for less than three weeks when he died and was the first fatality from 36 Engineer Regiment.

He joined the Army in January 2002 and had previously served in Kuwait before being promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2004.

Following his death, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wardlaw, Commanding Officer of 36 Engineer Regiment said L/Cpl Violino, who was known as Sean, was "the very epitome of a modern professional soldier".

"Extremely fit, enthusiastic and exceptionally hard working, he drew respect and praise in equal measure," he added.

L/Cpl Violino's wife Katey said he would be missed for "his infectious enthusiasm for life and his desire to be everyone's friend".

He was a father to twins, Ellie and Lewis, from a previous marriage.

The inquest is expected to last three days and will begin at Tunbridge Wells Police Station, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, at 10.15am on Monday.