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Soldier held over Cpl Geoffrey McNeill barracks murder | Soldier held over Cpl Geoffrey McNeill barracks murder |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A soldier has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a corporal was found dead at an army barracks in Shropshire. | A soldier has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a corporal was found dead at an army barracks in Shropshire. |
The dead man has been named as 32-year-old Cpl Geoffrey McNeill, of the First Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. | The dead man has been named as 32-year-old Cpl Geoffrey McNeill, of the First Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. |
He was found dead in a building at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton on Saturday morning. | He was found dead in a building at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton on Saturday morning. |
Tests are being carried out to establish the cause of his death, West Mercia Police said. | Tests are being carried out to establish the cause of his death, West Mercia Police said. |
The arrested soldier, a 23-year-old man based at the barracks, is in custody at Shrewsbury police station. | The arrested soldier, a 23-year-old man based at the barracks, is in custody at Shrewsbury police station. |
Det Insp Steve Tonks, of West Mercia Police, said: "The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing." | Det Insp Steve Tonks, of West Mercia Police, said: "The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing." |
Capt Jay Walker, of the First Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, said next of kin had been informed and civilian police were handling the investigation. | Capt Jay Walker, of the First Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, said next of kin had been informed and civilian police were handling the investigation. |
The Army would give police every assistance, he said. | The Army would give police every assistance, he said. |
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family at this difficult time," he said. | "Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family at this difficult time," he said. |
One of Cpl McNeill's three brothers said the soldier, who was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, had "dedicated his life" to his battalion. | |
"He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him," Jason McNeill said. |