Tri-Service
Soldier Killed In Training Exercise Named
A British soldier who was killed during a training exercise at an RAF weapons range has been named.
Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, of 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died following a firearms incident at RAF Tain in the Highlands on Tuesday, according to the MoD.
The 24-year-old from Hampshire had joined the Army in 2011 and served a tour in Afghanistan.
Police Scotland are leading the investigation, with around 30 detectives examining the circumstances surrounding his death.
A cordon has been set up around the base.
Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said:
"It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that Lance Corporal Joe Spencer from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died at RAF Tain on Tuesday.
"My thoughts are with Joe's family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.”
"We are co-operating with the police investigation and looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident."
Situated on the Dornoch Firth, the Tain bombing range is used by British and NATO aircrews to conduct low-level bombing exercises.
The site, 30 miles north of Inverness, also houses rifle and small arms ranges often used by the British Army.
Cover image courtesy: Ministry of Defence
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