A DUNFERMLINE soldier sustained "terrible injuries" after being hurt in a blast that killed two of his colleagues while on duty in Afghanistan.

Marine reservist JJ Chalmers (23) was injured after being caught in the explosion on Friday, caused by an IED (improvised explosive device).

He is currently being treated at Selly Oak Military Hospital in Birmingham where his family are at his bedside.

JJ's dad is the Rev John Chalmers, Principle Clerk of the Church of Scotland, who discovered his son had been injured after completing a "busy and exhausting" week at the church's annual General Assembly.

The Right Reverend David Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said, "It was with shock and dismay that we discovered that JJ Chalmers was injured on duty in the Helmand area of Afghanistan on Friday while serving with 42 Commando.

"John, his wife, his other son and daughter and JJ's girlfriend are down at the hospital in Birmingham where he is being treated.

"As well as a colleague, John and his family are close friends and we have been in constant contact with him.

"JJ seems to be improving every day but he has sustained terrible injuries and we are all in awe of the magnificent work being carried out by the medical staff at the hospital in Birmingham.

"We are also grateful to the military chaplains who have been a source of incredible comfort and who do an excellent job every day in the most trying of circumstances." He added, "Our thoughts and prayers are with JJ and his family at this most difficult time and also with those families of the two young men who died in the explosion and the others who were injured." The Ministry of Defence confirmed that JJ had been injured but said it was not their policy to comment or give details on injured soldiers.

Fellow 42 Commando Marines Sam Alexander (28), from London, and Lieutenant Ollie Augustin (23), from Kent, died in the incident which happened in the Loy Mandeh area of the Nad-e Ali District of Helmand Province.