The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Corporal John Moore and Private Sean McDonald The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS), part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, were killed in Afghanistan on Sunday 7 February 2010.

The soldiers died as a result of an explosion near Sangin, in Helmand province, yesterday evening.

Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth, said:

"I was so very sorry to learn of the deaths of Corporal John Moore and Private Sean McDonald. Hearing about these two brave men, I am filled with admiration for their courage and loyalty. Corporal Moore was clearly an extremely committed leader who was ready to rise to every challenge.

"Private McDonald was obviously a soldiers' soldier who knowingly took risks to help bring a better future for the people in his area of operations. It is very clear that both were professional, courageous, selfless, and committed - true infantry soldiers. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their loved ones."