Black Watch soldier on patrol

A fourth British soldier has been killed on operations in central Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said.

One member of the Black Watch was killed in an area north of Camp Dogwood, it was announced on Monday evening.

Initial reports said a roadside bomb was involved in the incident, which also injured two others, one possibly seriously.

Reacting to the news, a Downing Street spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the Black Watch battle group and their families after this incident.

"As the prime minister said this afternoon, we salute their dedication, professionalism and sheer courage."

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Paul Keetch also expressed his sympathy for the families of those killed and injured.

"This dreadful news from Iraq again underlines the fact that our troops are doing a difficult job under difficult circumstances," he added.

Last week three soldiers from the same regiment were killed in a suicide attack.

And just one day ago two bomb disposal experts were seriously injured in a separate suicide bombing.

News of the mounting casualties is set to add to the pressure on Tony Blair.

The prime minister's critics have been angered by the deployment into central Iraq in place of US troops.