A Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve has been named by the Ministry of Defence.

L/Cpl Benjamin Whatley, 20, from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, died fighting suspected Taliban insurgents in the volatile Helmand province.

A statement from the MoD said the marine, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed by enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali district in north-west Lashkar Gah, Helmand.

He is the 136th British serviceperson to die in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion of 2001.

"The death of this Royal Marine is a tragic loss and coming so close to Christmas, this is particularly poignant," said Commander Paula Rowe, spokesperson for Taskforce Helmand.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this dreadfully sad time."


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