A BRAVE female Army captain has had her left foot amputated days after a fatal explosion in Afghanistan.

Captain Kate Philp, of Worcester, suffered serious injuries after the Warrior armoured fighting vehicle she was commanding ran over an explosive device on Saturday, November 15.

She is the first woman soldier to lose a limb in action since the fight against the Taliban began in 2001.

The explosion, near the town of Musa Qala, also killed Colour Sergeant Krishna Dura, of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, and injured two other soldiers.

Capt Philp, aged 30, was airlifted to a field hospital in Helmand province where surgeons believed they had saved her limbs following a lengthy operation.

She was flown back to the UK for specialist treatment at Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital but medics there were left with no choice but to amputate below the left knee.

In a joint statement her parents Don and Sue Philp, of Worcester, said: “Her morale is extremely high thanks to her enormous courage and determination, but also thanks to the wonderful care she and we have received.

“We are fortunate to have Kate back alive which sadly is not so for the family of Col Sgt Dura who was killed in Kate’s Warrior. They have our greatest sympathy and sincerest condolences.”

They also praised their daughter’s “incredibly supportive friends” and the troops, medics and military staff both in the UK and Afghanistan who had their “deepest gratitude”.

Capt Philp was serving with 17 Corunna Battery of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery and was planning to leave the Army but insisted on serving in the Afghan conflict zone despite two tours to Iraq.

Her company commander said: “We remain in awe of the courage and selflessness with which she has met this tragic event.”

Following medical treatment she is due to move to Headley Court military hospital, Surrey, for rehabilitation.