British soldier killed in Iraq

A BRITISH soldier was shot and killed in Iraq today, the Ministry of Defence said.

The soldier died in a firefight in the early hours of this morning, a spokesman said.

It brings the total number of British military casualties in Iraq since hostilities began in March 2003 to 176.

The family have asked that no further information about the soldier be released, the MoD said.

The MoD spokesman said: "It is with deep regret that the MoD must announce the death of a British soldier in Iraq.

"The soldier died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a firefight in the early hours of Wednesday March 26 2008.

"The soldier's family have been informed, and have asked for privacy from the media as they come to terms with their loss.

"The MoD will not be providing any further updates in line with the wishes of the family, who are in our thoughts at this difficult time."

There was no indication of where the incident took place.