FRESH offensives against the Taleban and better weather have been blamed for a dramatic increase in deaths and serious injuries among British troops in Afghanistan.

In February so far, seven soldiers have died, four of them either Colchester-based, or attached to Colchester units.

And with five soldiers suffering serious injuries for every one killed, dozens more families are now facing lives forever changed by the war.

Craig Treeby, chief executive officer of Army charity the Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust, said: “The events in the past three weeks have led to a large number of casualties and an appreciable number wounded with life-changing injuries.

“Our medical staff are second to none, but many troops are facing a lifetime with the injuries they have suffered.

“I am immensely proud of the work the Parachute Regiment does. It is the best of the best.”

Colonel Richard Kemp, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, who lives locally, said he was confident the troops were inflicting far more damage on the Taleban than our forces were suffering.

He said: “The reality is we have seen a combination of an increase in offensive operations – taking the fight to the enemy.

“When you go out to fight, you do take casualties.

“With the breaking of the weather, you usually see an upsurge in Taleban and other terrorist activity.

“It is a pattern we have seen before, but we are killing them in large numbers – it is the Taleban which is on the back foot.

“We should recognise these young soldiers who are prepared to go out and fight. Every casualty matters. They should not be forgotten. The Taleban can never beat British soldiers and never will.”

Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, added his own words of comfort for Forces families.

He said: “Every casualty is a very bitter pill for us to swallow back home, but is far worse for their comrades and their families. It is a tribute to their professionalism that we do not hear a whimper of complaint from them.”