An Edinburgh-based soldier has been confirmed as the latest British soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Serjeant Phillip Scott, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed in Helmand Province on Thursday by an improvised explosive device explosion.

His platoon was attached to B Company during a deliberate clearance operation in the town of Sangin aimed at increasing security for local Afghans and preparing the ground for further operations.

Serjeant Phillip Scott, 30, was born in Malton, North Yorkshire. He joined the Army in 2001, completing initial training at the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, and the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick before passing out to join C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry in January 2002.

Just over a year later he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed to Iraq as Second in Command of a Rifle Section. In 2004 Serjeant Scott passed the Section Commanders' Battle Course in Brecon at the same time as his brother Robin.

He also served in Northern Ireland and Iraq. Serjeant Scott leaves behind his wife, Ellen, and two children; Ellie, aged three, and Michael, aged one. They all lived together in Edinburgh.

Ellen said: "My husband was a very brave man, loved by all his family and a very dear husband and father."

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Commanding Officer 3 RIFLES Battle Group, added: "Serjeant Scott was the most professional of soldiers, the toughest of men and the gentlest of friends.

"Naturally charming and disarmingly polite, he was considerate and compassionate to his core. Uncompromisingly assiduous at work, he was an inspiration to all and a mentor to those he led in training and on the field of battle.

"Generous and unassuming, Serjeant Scott brought calm, happiness and confidence to all around him."