Soldiers who died in tank explosion named

Two soldiers who died after ammunition is believed to have exploded inside their tank have been described as “exceptionally talented”.

Cpl Matthew Hatfield and Cpl Darren Neilson, of the Royal Tank Regiment, died after an explosion inside their Challenger 2 battle tank during a live-firing exercise earlier this week at Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire. Two other soldiers were in a serious condition.

Lt Col Simon Ridgway, commanding officer of the regiment, said it had “lost two real characters”.