Three British soldiers have been killed by a policeman in southern Afghanistan.

The MoD said the soldiers were shot and fatally wounded on Sunday as they left a checkpoint in Helmand province. The gunman was injured and later detained.

The MoD said two served with the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and one with the Royal Corps of Signals. Next of kin have been informed.

422 British soldiers have now lost their lives in Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2001.