A Royal Marine has died in Afghanistan after his patrol was attacked by insurgents, the Ministry of Defence said.
The serviceman, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, was killed by a grenade thrown into a check point in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province. His family has been informed.
The marine's patrol initially fought off an attack from the insurgents.
The patrol then returned to its check point and was preparing to redeploy when insurgents attacked again.
A grenade landed in the check point which wounded the serviceman. He was taken to the military hospital in Camp Bastion but died later, the Ministry of Defence said.
Task Force Helmand spokesman, Major Rolf Kurth, said: "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of a Royal Marine from 42 Commando Royal Marines in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.
"The Royal Marine was part of a foot patrol deployed to reassure local residents, and deter and disrupt insurgent activity, when they came under small arms attack.
"With the help of mortars and close air support, they broke contact with the insurgents and returned to their check point. They then came under further attack, and the Royal Marine was mortally wounded by a grenade that landed inside the check point.
"He died later in Camp Bastion Role 3 Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in their time of grief."
