Afghanistan: friendly fire kills 2 Britons

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KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Two British soldiers in a unit that had just killed an Afghan police officer were killed by friendly fire from another British unit, officials said Thursday.

The shootings took place late Wednesday afternoon in Greshk district in Helmand province, Khaama Press reported.

"A group of British troops opened fire on an Afghan national police and killed him," Farid Ahmad Farhang, spokesman for the provincial security forces said. "British troops were then attacked by a group of other British soldiers who were also patrolling in the area, killing two service members."

Local officials said the Afghan officer was preparing for prayers and was not involved in any hostile activity. Tension has been high in Afghanistan because of attacks by Afghan police officers and soldiers on NATO forces.