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MoD names soldier killed in clash MoD names soldier killed in clash
(10 minutes later)
A British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan has been named as Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, 22, of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.A British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan has been named as Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, 22, of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.
Two other soldiers were injured in Wednesday's attack, which took place as they returned to base after a routine patrol when an explosion struck.Two other soldiers were injured in Wednesday's attack, which took place as they returned to base after a routine patrol when an explosion struck.
L/Cpl Hawkins, from Norfolk, was flown to the ISAF medical facility at Camp Bastion, but did not survive.L/Cpl Hawkins, from Norfolk, was flown to the ISAF medical facility at Camp Bastion, but did not survive.
The attack took place in the outskirts of Sangin in Helmand province.The attack took place in the outskirts of Sangin in Helmand province.
The UK has 7,100 troops in Afghanistan, mainly concentrated in the southern province of Helmand.The UK has 7,100 troops in Afghanistan, mainly concentrated in the southern province of Helmand.
'Deep sadness''Deep sadness'
More than 60 military personnel have died since operations against the Taleban began in 2001.More than 60 military personnel have died since operations against the Taleban began in 2001.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was "deep sadness" over the death of L/Cpl Hawkins.A Ministry of Defence spokesman said there was "deep sadness" over the death of L/Cpl Hawkins.
Following the explosion, the soldier was flown by helicopter to Camp Bastion for treatment, but he later died.
The injuries to the other personnel were described as "not life-threatening".The injuries to the other personnel were described as "not life-threatening".
He was the light of our life and the world will be a duller place without him L/Cpl Hawkins' family
An MoD spokesman said: "The Vector vehicle could not be removed so it was destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands. The convoy continued to its destination."An MoD spokesman said: "The Vector vehicle could not be removed so it was destroyed to avoid it falling into enemy hands. The convoy continued to its destination."
Separately, the government has also revealed that an RAF Hercules plane was destroyed after it hit an anti-tank mine at Lashkar Gar Tactical Landing Zone in May last year. L/Cpl Hawkins' family issued a statement about their relative.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth told MPs that the RAF Board Of Inquiry concluded that explosion-suppressant foam would not have stopped the fire. They said: "Alex died doing the job he loved. He dreamed of joining the Army and becoming a sniper. This he achieved within his first year and was the top student on his course.
'Uncontrollable fire' "He was an excellent cadet and an excellent soldier, a kind, loving son, brother and boyfriend, always thinking of others before himself.
The nine crew and 26 passengers were safely evacuated with no serious injuries. "He was the light of our life and the world will be a duller place without him."
In a written ministerial statement, Mr Ainsworth said: "On landing, the aircraft suffered significant damage to the front port main landing gear, resulting in debris puncturing the port wing fuel tanks, which in turn caused an uncontrollable wing fire leading to the loss of the aircraft." His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Carver, said: "L/Cpl Alex Hawkins was one of the most promising soldiers of his generation.
Mr Ainsworth said the main recommendation from the board was that force protection procedures be reviewed. "He leaves behind some fond memories and a lasting legacy that we will all strive to live up to."
He added that new tactics were being used in operational theatres in Iraq and Afghanistan. Defence Secretary Des Browne said L/Cpl Hawkins' death was a "dreadful loss".
The number of UK troops in Afghanistan is due to increase to about 7,700 this year. "He died defending our country and helping to bring stability to Afghanistan. His contribution will be remembered with honour."
Last week, the UK ambassador to the country, Sir Sherard Cowper-Cole, said forces would need to remain for decades to help rebuilding efforts.