The third confirmed case of malaria among Colchester troops sent to war-torn Sierra Leone has been found -- and more cases are possible.

So far 20 samples from soldiers with possible malaria have been taken to Colchester General Hospital for analysis.

The first confirmed case involved a Gurkha, who on Monday returned to his Garrison base following treatment.

Yesterday (Tuesday) it was confirmed two more soldiers were ill and were being treated at the barracks.

About 200 troops from the Colchester-based Second Battalion of the Parachute Regiment went to Sierra Leone.

Their peacekeeping tasks involved securing Lungi airport and evacuating British nationals.

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