Soldier named after Salisbury Plain exercise death

The Ministry of Defence has named the soldier killed in an incident on Salisbury Plain Training Area on 15 October.

An Army spokesperson said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Private Jethro Watson-Pickering in an incident on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

"The thoughts and sympathies of the Army are with the family and friends of Pte Watson-Pickering at this very sad time.

"Wiltshire Police are investigating and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Wiltshire Police say the 23-year-old died at midday while on exercise.

The force is investigating the death, the cause of which is yet to be determined by a coroner, alongside the Army and the Health and Safety Executive.

In a statement released on Saturday, Wiltshire Police said the deceased had been "part of a crew operating an armoured vehicle" on Salisbury Plain – one of the UK's largest military training areas.

According to a statement of Facebook by The Yorkshire Regiment, Pte Watson-Pickering of the 1st Yorks Regiment was from the village of Boosbeck, in Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire.

The post added: "The thoughts and prayers of the regimental family are with his family. 'Fortune Favours the Brave'."