He died in daring mission: British soldier killed 'trying to save Afghan police officer'

A British soldier killed in Afghanistan over the weekend died taking part in a daring mission to rescue a local policeman. The serviceman – from 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment – was shot dead as he helped to save the officer from insurgents.

A Taliban gang abducted Abdul Walid from a checkpoint in southern Helmand province on Sunday evening.

British forces based in the Nahr-e Sarraj district launched an immediate rescue mission and were able to liberate Walid.

But the unnamed soldier was shot dead and another wounded during the firefight with the policeman’s captors.

Afghan sources said the insurgents fled after the fierce clashes. (...)