The identity of the British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday has been confirmed as Corporal Jason Stuart Barnes.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Cpl Barnes, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was driving an ambulance vehicle when it was hit by suspected roadside bomb in southern Ambulance earlier this week.

The 25-year-old, from Exeter, had been returning to base after successfully evacuating a casualty injured earlier in the day near Kajaki in northern Helmand.

Company Commander, Major Grant Haywood, paid tribute to Cpl Barnes highlighting his "boundless energy and selfless commitment".

"He will be remembered here as an individual with natural charm, dry wit and a real zest for life. He died as he lived, placing others first and doing what he wanted to do, so well, without fear or complaint," he said.

Defence secretary Des Browne added: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of Corporal Jason Barnes at this most difficult time; he was clearly a dedicated soldier, and family man with an enthusiasm for life.

"He was making a real difference in Afghanistan and he will be sorely missed by colleagues from across the Army."

Cpl Barnes is the 111th UK soldier to be killed in Afghanistan since 2001.
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