Tributes to Shropshire soldier Dean Griffiths

Tributes have today been paid to a 21-year-old Shropshire soldier who died in a shooting incident during exercises at a military training ground.

Fusilier Dean Griffiths was in combat gear when he died on the range at Romney Marsh in Kent on Wednesday. Investigations have been launched into the incident, which is believed to have happened during training with live ammunition.

Mr Griffiths, 21, attended the Grove School and left his home in Market Drayton to join the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh regiment.

Jane Radbourne, headteacher of Grove School, said today: "Yesterday we learned of the death of Dean Griffiths who was a student at Grove School from September 2001 to 2006. We would like to send our sympathy to his immediate and extended family at this sad time."

And Councillor Kath Brown, Mayor of Market Drayton, said: "I'm very sorry to hear the news and it's a terrible shame when anybody dies in such circumstances.

"His family must be devastated and I'm sorry for anybody who loses a child."

Owen Paterson, the MP for North Shropshire, said: "It is such a shock to hear the news of this young man. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

Damian Collins, the MP for Folkestone and Hythe, said Fusilier Griffiths's death was 'extremely regrettable'.

He said: "There are about 300,000 training hours carried out at the Lydd firing ranges so they do have a good safety record and its run incredibly well.

"But any accident is extremely regrettable and there should be a proper investigation as to why this has happened and if there are any similarities to any previous accidents that have taken place."

In 2006, guardsman Iain Wright, from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, died during an exercise at the firing ranges. He died from a single bullet wound to the head.

Police said nobody had been arrested following the latest incident and that the investigation was still at an early stage.

By James Pugh