Inquiry over soldier's Iraq death

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Defence officials are investigating the death of a Devon soldier in Iraq, nearly three months after he was killed by gunfire.

Cpl John Cosby, 28, from Exeter, died during an operation in Basra in July.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Royal Military Police (RMP) were investigating the circumstances of the corporal's death.

Cpl Cosby, from Beacon Heath, Exeter, was serving with the 1st Battalion, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.

'Amazing son'

When he was killed, Cpl Cosby was with a surveillance company based at Basra Air Station as part of 20 Armoured Brigade, and was three months into a six-and-a-half month tour in Iraq.

At the time of his death the MoD stated on its website: "Cpl Cosby died as a result of gunshot wounds following an operation by British Forces to apprehend a key terrorist leader and accomplice in a suburb of North Basra.

"During the course of the operation British military personnel came under small arms fire and two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds.

"Sadly, Cpl Cosby subsequently died as a result of his injuries."

An MoD spokesman said on Sunday: "There is a Royal Military Police investigation going on into the death of the corporal. Until that's concluded I cannot comment further."

Belfast-born Cpl Cosby, known as "Gorgeous George", was seven when his family moved to Exeter in 1985.

His mother Jean, of Mincinglake Road, Exeter said at the time of his death that her unmarried son was "an amazing son, brother, uncle and nephew".

"His sense of humour and bubbly personality will be missed by all of his family and everyone who knew him."