Shropshire based soldier was ‘accidentally shot at base’ in Afghanistan

Ranger David Dalzell, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment died on Friday in an “operational accident” in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has so far refused to be drawn on the circumstances surrounding Ranger Dalzell’s death and a spokeswoman said details of the accident would be heard during an inquest.

Ranger Dalzell’s parents, Gordon and Susan from Bangor in Co Down, Northern Ireland, said:

“David was a loving and caring son and he was very proud to be a soldier. We are very proud of David as a son and he leaves behind a void that will never be filled. He will be missed by his brothers Gareth, Mark and Stewart and sisters Kelly, Catherine and Rachael.”

His bereaved parents also expressed their concern for the colleague who may have fired the shot that fatally wounded their son.

They said: “We think it is important for us and David that the speculation and rumours end. David died after being accidentally shot by another soldier, having returned to base from a patrol.

“We do not know exactly what happened, just that our son was fatally wounded. As well as our huge loss which has devastated the family, the other soldier must also be suffering and our thoughts are with him as well.

“We have been told there is an investigation by the army’s Special Investigation Branch (SIB) is under way and we hope to learn more from that.”