Newlywed soldier dies in live-fire exercise

A British soldier was killed and four others injured during a training exercise in Canada early on Tuesday when their Warrior armoured vehicle was apparently hit by a shell.

Bombardier Simon Hunston, 25, who married only three months ago and came from Doncaster, died in the night-time live-firing exercise at the British Army training base in Suffield, Alberta. One of the injured soldiers was in a serious condition while the other three had less serious injuries.

Mr Hunston's father, Keith, 51, said: "He got married in May and had been planning for the future. He had hoped to start a family but sadly that won't happen. His wife, Louise, is absolutely devastated." He added: "I feel very bitter about it. I won't let them sweep this incident under the carpet – I want the whole truth to come out."

The soldiers belonged to the 1st Royal Horse Artillery, based at Tidworth on Salisbury Plain.

The Ministry of Defence said last night: "It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the investigation into this accident is in progress."