Highlander killed in Afghanistan

A SOLDIER from the The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS), was killed in Afghanistan on Monday.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the serviceman was reported missing from an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) checkpoint in the early hours of yesterday morning and was later found dead following an extensive search of the area in the Helmand province.

He had sustained gun shot wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick, a spokesman for Task Force Helmand said: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of a soldier from The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

"The soldier was reported missing from his checkpoint very early this morning and an extensive search of the area was conducted throughout the day to locate him. This evening (Monday), the body of the soldier was found by ISAF forces. He had suffered gunshot wounds.

"His exact cause of death is still to be established and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death are currently under investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

His family has requested that no further details are released at this time.