UK troops took over from US forces in Helmand earlier this year
Two British soldiers have been killed in fighting with Taleban forces in Afghanistan, officials have confirmed.
The troops were on night patrol in Sangin, in the volatile southern province of Helmand, when they were attacked by Taleban militia.
A rocket-propelled grenade destroyed a vehicle and in the fighting two soldiers died and another was injured.
The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed the fatalities and said it was informing the soldiers' families.
They are the second and third British troops killed in Helmand, an area known for Taleban activity and opium production.
Captain Jim Philippson, of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was killed earlier this month.
'Under Taleban control'
The company of troops arrived in Sangin last week after about 40 members of the Afghan security forces had been killed in heavy fighting.
The BBC's Alastair Leithead, with British troops in Afghanistan, said the government headquarters in the region was on the point of being taken over by the Taleban.
Our correspondent said local elders had made it clear that the Taleban was in control of much of the district.
The British troops were expecting an attack, he said.
The number of UK soldiers in Afghanistan is expected to peak at 5,700 later this year - the majority of whom will be in Helmand.
They are heading a Nato mission charged with reconstructing the region following years of Taleban rule and a US-led invasion.
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