Soldier dies in live firing training exercise in Northumberland

A soldier has died after being shot at a military training area in Northumberland, police have said.

The male soldier, serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was shot on the military ranges in Otterburn during a live firing exercise at about 23:15 BST on Monday.

Northumbria Police said the soldier sustained a “serious head wound” and was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has not been identified by the Ministry of Defence.

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.”

A police cordon is in place at the training area and the soldier’s next-of-kin have been informed, police say.

Otterburn Training Area, set up by former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, is the second largest live firing range in the country and has been used for military training since 1911. (bbcnews)