This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7780913.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Four killed in Afghanistan blasts Four killed in Afghanistan blasts
(about 3 hours later)
Four British Royal Marines have been killed in two separate explosions in southern Afghanistan, the MoD has said.Four British Royal Marines have been killed in two separate explosions in southern Afghanistan, the MoD has said.
A Royal Marine from 45 Commando was injured in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province and died on the way to hospital at Camp Bastion.A Royal Marine from 45 Commando was injured in an explosion in the Sangin area of Helmand province and died on the way to hospital at Camp Bastion.
Two marines from 45 Commando and one from Commando Logistics Regiment died in a second blast south of Sangin.Two marines from 45 Commando and one from Commando Logistics Regiment died in a second blast south of Sangin.
Next of kin have been informed. A total of 132 British troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001.Next of kin have been informed. A total of 132 British troops have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001.
The first of the latest fatalities happened while the marine involved was on patrol. The other three died during a routine operation against enemy forces in the area.The first of the latest fatalities happened while the marine involved was on patrol. The other three died during a routine operation against enemy forces in the area.
Of those, one died instantly, a second died of wounds before they could be moved for hospital treatment and the third died after being taken to Camp Bastion.Of those, one died instantly, a second died of wounds before they could be moved for hospital treatment and the third died after being taken to Camp Bastion.
'Sad day''Sad day'
The explosion happened when an Afghan boy pushing a wheelbarrow approached a company of British marines. It is not clear whether the boy was a suicide bomber or the device was remotely detonated.The explosion happened when an Afghan boy pushing a wheelbarrow approached a company of British marines. It is not clear whether the boy was a suicide bomber or the device was remotely detonated.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was a "tragic loss".
He said: "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those brave men who died in the service of their country. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. This is a tragic loss.
"Fighting the Taleban in Afghanistan puts our armed forces in the front line against terrorism. I know that the whole country is immensely proud of all those who served in our armed forces and of what they do to protect each and every one of us."
Military spokeswoman Commander Paula Rowe said: "Today is an incredibly sad day for Task Force Helmand. The tragic deaths of these Royal Marines have come as a huge blow to us all.Military spokeswoman Commander Paula Rowe said: "Today is an incredibly sad day for Task Force Helmand. The tragic deaths of these Royal Marines have come as a huge blow to us all.
"Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to their families, friends and comrades at this terrible time.""Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to their families, friends and comrades at this terrible time."
Conservative leader David Cameron said: "These deaths are a terrible reminder of the bravery of our troops who are serving our country. My thoughts go out to their families and friends at this tragic time."Conservative leader David Cameron said: "These deaths are a terrible reminder of the bravery of our troops who are serving our country. My thoughts go out to their families and friends at this tragic time."
A British soldier serving with 20 Armoured Brigade has also died in Iraq after shooting himself. The MoD said there was no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved.A British soldier serving with 20 Armoured Brigade has also died in Iraq after shooting himself. The MoD said there was no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved.