THREE British soldiers shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan police uniform were named by the Ministry of Defence last night.

Guardsmen Craig Andrew Roderick, 22, and Apete Saunikalou Ratumaiyale Tuisovurua, 28, of the 1st Battalion the Welsh Guards and Warrant Officer Leonard Perran Thomas, 44, of the Royal Corps of Signals, died on Sunday.

The men, members of an Afghan Police Advisory Team, were organising a meeting of elders at Checkpoint Kamparack Pul in Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand Province, when they were shot and fatally wounded.

They received medical assistance at the scene but died of their injuries.

A man believed to be responsible for the shooting is in custody, the MoD said.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "I am saddened to hear of this cowardly act which has taken the lives of three very brave British soldiers. They gave their lives protecting Britain's national security; their efforts will not be in vain and we will always remember them."