The Ministry of Defence confirms that Corporal Liam Riley and Lance Corporal Graham Shaw from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS) were killed in Helmand province on Monday 1 February 2010.

The soldiers, who were serving as part of the Coldstream Guards Battle Group, were killed as a result of two improvised explosive device (IED) blasts near Malgir, which lies between Babaji and Gereshk.

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth said:  "Lance Corporal Shaw was an impressive and respected soldier, and was devoted to his job. He was a natural leader who was popular with the troops, and he will be sorely missed.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends, and with his colleagues from both 3 Yorks and the Coldstream Guards.

"Corporal Liam Riley stood out to his Commanding Officers as a highly capable soldier who made a valuable contribution to the Army.

"His courage to the last is an example to all of us and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fellow soldiers.

"My sympathies lie with them all at this most devastating of times."