BBC News -- A British soldier serving with the Parachute Regiment killed in Iraq this week has been named by the Ministry of Defence as Sergeant Eddie Collins.

The MoD said he died on Wednesday during an operation "in support of ongoing coalition activity".

It has been reported that he was on a special forces mission and was a member of the Special Air Service (SAS).

Sgt Collins' commanding officer said he was "a champion soldier, a proud and loving family man and a great friend".

He added: "[Sgt Collins] always played to win and always set the finest example.

"He died a warrior, on the battlefield, leading from the front, doing a job he loved in the service of his friends, his regiment, his family and his country. He will never be forgotten."

Forty-two British soldiers have died in Iraq this year.

Sgt Collins' death brings to 169 the number of UK armed forces personnel or MoD civilians who have died in Iraq since the start of the campaign in March 2003.