Tributes to soldier who died in Northumberland training
Tributes are being paid to a soldier who died after being shot while taking part in a night time live firing exercise in Northumberland.
Tributes are being paid to a "hugely committed" soldier who died after being shot while taking part in a night time live firing exercise in Northumberland.
24-year-old Connor McPherson from the Black Watch, 3rd Batallion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland died after suffering a serious head wound at the Otterburn Training Area late on Monday night.
Lieutenant Colonel Alasdair Steele, is Commanding Officer of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland:
Private McPherson was a capable young soldier who had previously trained in both Kenya and France. He was hugely committed about his career in the Army, he had aspirations to join the machine gun platoon and attend a junior leadership course at the start of next year. He constantly drove to develop himself physically and was well liked among his peers for his sharp wit and sense of humour. However, Private McPherson's true passion was to his parents and his older sister - he was part of a very close-knit family and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave. The entire battalion's thoughts are very much with his family and friends.''
Private McPherson, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, enlisted into the Royal Regiment of Scotland in May 2014 as a combat infantryman.
Northumbria police have told us they are working with the Ministry of Defence in the investigations.
In a statement Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning said:
"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."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said:
*Our armed forces do a difficult and dangerous job at all times, and this is another stark reminder of that. My thoughts are with all who loved this brave soldier.''*