Training soldier shot dead ‘by accident’
A YOUNG soldier killed in a night live firing exercise was the victim of an accident, police said yesterday.
Black Watch Private Conor McPherson, 24, was shot in the head at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland and pronounced dead at the scene.
Pte McPherson, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, was described as “hugely committed” to the Army and dedicated to his close-knit family.
He is thought to have been taking part in a fire and manoeuvre exercise on Monday night in which a pair of soldiers take turns to provide covering fire while the other advances. Pte McPherson is the 10th British soldier to have died on a live firing exercise since 2000.
Police and the Health and Safety Executive are carrying out a joint inquiry. The Army is doing its own investigation.
Northumbria Police said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind the incident but at this stage we believe this was a tragic accident and there are no suspicious circumstances.”
Infantry can expect to take part in at least two live firing exercises a year. Extensive safety measures are in place, including supervisors able to order participants not to fire.
The Black Watch’s Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Alasdair Steele, said: “Private McPherson was a capable young soldier who had previously trained in both Kenya and France.
“He was hugely committed about his career in the Army.
“He had aspirations to join the machine gun platoon and attend a junior leadership course at the start of next year.
“He constantly drove to develop himself physically and was well liked among his peers for his sharp wit and sense of humour.
“However Private McPherson’s true passion was to his parents and his older sister.
“He was part of a very closeknit family and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave. The entire battalion’s thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Pte McPherson joined the Army in May 2014 and served with the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Fort George in Inverness.