A British soldier died in Iraq on Monday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The soldier was from the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, a statement from the MoD said.

It continued: "The death occurred in Taji, Iraq, following an incident that is currently under investigation, but we can confirm that it was not as a result of enemy activity."

Officials have informed the soldier's family, who requested a period of grace be given before the name is released.

The British Army is in Iraq as part of Britain's effort to combat Islamic State (IS) terrorists. In December, 150 soldiers from the deceased soldier's battalion were deployed to Iraq for six months.

They formed part of the 500 strong British Army force which was being sent to the country to train Iraqi and Kurdish security forces.