Soldier victim in Shropshire barracks murder probe is named
A soldier who died at a Shropshire army base has been named as Corporal Geoffrey McNeill.
Corporal McNeill, who was a member of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, was found dead in a building at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, shortly after 9am on Saturday.
A 23-year-old serving soldier from the same barracks has been arrested on suspicion of murder by West Mercia Police.
Corporal McNeill, aged 32, was not married.
One of his three brothers, Jason McNeill, speaking on behalf of the family, paid this tribute to him.
He said: "Geoff was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland and dedicated his life to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.
"He served his country with the highest degree of honour and dedication.
"He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
"The family would like to give thanks for the continued support of the army, police and all who knew and loved Geoff.
"Our love for him remains as strong as ever. Rest in peace soldier. Faugh-a-Ballagh."
Det Insp Steve Tonks said an arrest had been made in the investigation earlier today.
"We have made an arrest in connection with the death. The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing," he said.
"A post mortem conducted by a Home Office pathologist was held yesterday and further examination and tests are being carried out to help establish the cause of death".
"It is a police matter, however we can say that next of kin have been informed," a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence in Shrewsbury said today.
She said she had not heard about the death in Market Drayton Town Centre.
Tern Hill is the home to the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment.
In September 2008 the battalion completed a tour of Afghanistan. It became the first unit in the Army to receive three Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses (CGC) in a single operation. The Battalion has since deployed again to Afghanistan.
On February 1989 the barracks at Tern Hill were bombed by the IRA.
No one was injured in the early morning bomb attack thanks to the sentry who cleared barracks were soldiers were sleeping after seeing two men acting suspiciously.
The Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed.
Anybody with any information should contact Shrewsbury CID on 101.
