A British soldier killed in Afghanistan's Helmand province has been named as Sgt Jonathan Mathews.

Sgt Mathews, 35, from Edinburgh, died from a single gunshot wound after coming under Taleban fire while on foot patrol on Monday.

He was a member of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. He leaves a wife, daughter and stepson.

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His family said in a statement: "Jonathan trained all his life for the job he was doing, loved what he did, died doing what he loved, he was well respected.

"Loved by his wife Shona, daughter Meghan and stepson William and all the family.

"A lover of the outdoors, an army man through and through, we will miss him, but it gives us great comfort knowing he died doing what he trained to do."

Commanding officer Lt Col Jamie Campbell described Sgt Mathews as "courageous, reliable to the core and unwaveringly loyal to all".

He added: "But his love of soldiering could never be matched by his absolute devotion to his wife Shona and his children, William and Meghan.

"No matter where he found himself he always found time to keep in touch with them."

Best friend Sgt Rab McEwan, who had known Sgt Mathews for 14 years, said the death was "a devastating blow".

He added: "You are gone from this earth but you are not forgotten. Rest in peace, mate."

The shooting happened at about 1000 local time (0530 GMT) on Monday, west of the town of Lashkar Gah, as UK troops patrolled alongside Afghan army personnel.

The MoD said the patrol were warned that the Taleban were in the area, but came under fire before they could take up defensive positions.

The soldier's battalion was attached to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.

(BBC)

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