Eight British soldiers were killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan on Friday. Six soldiers were killed by roadside bombs while on foot patrol and another two lost their lives in battle. British and US forces are currently engaged in a military offensive against the Taliban in the province of Helmand.

The deaths are the heaviest losses yet sustained in the course of Britain's Afghanistan mission. More British troops have now died in Afghanistan than during the military campaign in Iraq.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has responded by saying it is vital that the international community sees through its commitment to Afghanistan.