TWO soldiers from the North West's infantry regiment have been killed in shooting incidents in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said.

They were both from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and died in the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand.

The soldiers have not yet been named but their families have been told.

The two casualties died in separate incidents.

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment recruits its soldiers exclusively from Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and the Isle of Man.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith said: “Both soldiers were part of security patrols that were involved in operations to improve freedom of movement for local nationals in Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province, when they were killed by small arms fire.

”Their bravery and boldness in the face of danger will not be forgotten.

"They died in the course of their duty, amongst their comrades and whilst improving the lives of ordinary Afghans.

"We will remember them.”

The British death toll since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001 now stands at 298.