FOUR British soldiers, understood to be part of an SAS patrol, have been wounded in a gunfight in Afghanistan.

The men, the first British casualties since the conflict began on October 7, have been flown back to Britain.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said one was seriously injured in the gunfight, which is said to have taken place in the southern city of Kandahar.

"His condition was causing concern at one stage, but I have been told that his condition is stable," he said.

"He is being treated in a British hospital and his condition is not life-threatening."

Mr Hoon revealed details of the casualties at defence questions in the Commons yesterday afternoon. He said a small "small number" of troops had been injured - but he refused to give further details.

The Ministry of Defence has declined to release further information.

Hereford MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary Paul Keetch is unhappy that so little information is available.

"It's always unsettling to hear about injuries to British troops," he said.

"Press speculation about numbers will not help the families of all those serving."