Soldier Shot Dead During Training Exercise

A soldier has been shot dead during a live firing exercise in Northumberland. The accident occurred at Otterburn Training Area on Monday night. The soldier, from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, received a serious head injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement from Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that a soldier from The Royal Regiment of Scotland has died while taking part in a night live firing exercise at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland. My thoughts are with the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“The safety of our personnel is our absolute priority and while deaths in training don’t happen often, any death is a tragedy. As well as a police investigation, MOD accident investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”