An investigation has been launched into the death of a British soldier in Afghanistan amid reports he was killed by "friendly fire".
Marine Jonathan Wigley was fatally wounded earlier this week during battles with Taliban fighters. A second Marine, who has not been named, was seriously injured.
It has been claimed that the 21-year-old, from Melton Mowbray, was hit by friendly fire from an American plane.
He was struck by a US A-10 tankbuster called in to help the Marines during a ferocious 10-hour battle with Taliban gunmen on Monday, according to reports.
The Ministry of Defence refused to comment on the allegations, but confirmed that a probe into the soldier's death was under way.
An MoD spokesman said: "This is a very difficult time for Marine Wigley's family and our thoughts are very much with them as they deal with their loss.
"We are committed to establishing the facts surrounding his death and his family will be updated throughout. As the matter is now subject to a thorough investigation and a Board of Inquiry, we cannot comment further until this has been completed."
One British soldier who was 5ft away from the Marine said: "I saw it. It was the A-10. I was 5ft away.
"We called in a strike on the next trench. Then I saw it swooping toward us. I will never forget that noise. It was horrible."
Marine Wigley was the 41st British soldier to die in Afghanistan since the 2001 operation.
