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Soldier dies during live-firing exercise

 

Sam Marsden
Friday 04 May 2012 23:32 BST
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A soldier has died at a military training area in Wales, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday.

Ranger Michael Maguire, 21, died at the Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire on Wednesday. An MoD spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

His death during a live-firing exercise is being investigated by Dyfed Powys Police with the assistance of the Health and Safety Executive. Details of what happened were unclear last night.

Ranger Maguire joined the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment in May 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in September that year.

His commanding officer, Lt-Col Colin Weir, said: "The entire battalion is deeply shocked by this tragic event, and all our thoughts and prayers are with Ranger Maguire's family at this difficult time."

Major Richard Bell, his company commander, said: "One of our very best: his loss has devastated everyone who knew him."

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