SIX HUNDRED more infantry troops are to be sent to southern Afghanistan as urgent reinforcements after a month of Taleban attacks in which six British soldiers were killed.

The deployment will double the number of combat troops in Afghanistan at a time of growing alarm over the role of British forces in the lawless Helmand province, where resurgent Taleban fighters threaten to outgun and outnumber coalition troops.

The announcement was made as the latest British fatality in Afghanistan was named as Private Damien Jackson, 19, from Tyne and Wear, who was with the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment battle group in Sangin valley.

Private Jackson died four days before his 20th birthday.

Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, told the Commons that he had received a request for more troops and was giving it urgent consideration. An announcement is expected next week. He is also expected to send out more helicopters.

The Times understands that the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, on standby, should be deployed by the end of this month.

Elements of the regiment are already serving in southern Afghanistan, attached to the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment battle group, and have been involved in firefights with the Taleban.

The 600 soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment will double the number of combat troops in Afghanistan. At present the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, based in Helmand province, is the only full combat unit available to take on the Taleban.

The 3 Para battle group has been facing daily attacks by the Taleban in the south, particularly in the Sangin valley.

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