Tributes to soldier who died after being injured in live firing exercise in south-west Wales

Dyfed-Powys Police said it is leading the investigation into the death

Sgt Hillier died on Thursday evening (MOD)

Tributes have been paid to the soldier who died after being injured in a firing exercise.

Sergeant Gavin Hillier, from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, was fatally injured at Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire, Wales on Thursday.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said it was confirming the death “with great sadness”, adding: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.

“An investigation is under way and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

In a Facebook post, Sgt Hillier’s father Mark said he was “heartbroken” and “absolutely devastated”.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it is leading the investigation into the death and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive and the MoD.

In a statement, the force said: “An investigation has been launched into the death of a soldier at Castlemartin RAC Range following a military exercise.

“Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the site at just before 10.45pm on Thursday, March 4.

“Sadly, a man was pronounced dead shortly after. Our thoughts are with his family, who have been informed of the incident and are being supported by specialist officers.

“An investigation is under way led by Dyfed-Powys Police. Officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive and MoD.”

According to the Ministry of Defence website, the Welsh Guards have a “dual role” as a “light role infantry” as well as “world class ceremonial soldiers, guarding the Royal Family and Royal palaces such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and conducting State Ceremonial duties”.

Previous incidents at the Castlemartin ranges have claimed the lives of soldiers.

In 2017, corporals Matthew Hatfield and Darren Neilson of the Royal Tank Regiment died after their tank exploded during a training exercise on a firing range.

A 21-year-old soldier, Mike Maguire, died at Castlemartin in 2012 after being shot in the head while relaxing at a location just outside the training range.

A 2013 inquest into his death heard he was hit in the temple by a single machine gun bullet fired by a fellow soldier during a training exercise.

PA