A COLCHESTER-BASED paratrooper who died in Afghanistan mayhave been killed by friendly fire, it has emerged.

The soldier, from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was shot while on patrol in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.

Initial reports indicate that his death may have been caused by an attack on an insurgent position by a US aircraft, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

He said: "Further to the announcement of the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment in Nad e-Ali yesterday, initial reports suggest that the death was caused as a result of a friendly fire incident.

"The incident will be the subject of a full investigation; however, first reports indicate that an attack on an insurgent position by a US aircraft, requested by and agreed with British forces on the ground, may have been the cause.

"The investigation is ongoing and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

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

The incident in Helmand Province is under investigation by the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "Regrettably I must announce the death of a soldier from 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment this afternoon.

"The soldier was part of an operation aiming to increase security in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province when he was shot and subsequently died of his wounds.

"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."

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

He is the only member of 16 Air Assault Brigade to be killed in action since Colchester soldiers were deployed in October.