UK soldier arrested on suspicion of murdering Corporal

A UK soldier has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Corporal Geoffrey McNeill, 32, in a late night brawl at barracks.

The body of the Corporal, a serving member of the 1^st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, was found at around 9am Saturday at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill in Shropshire.

The 23-year-old man was arrested shortly after the body was discovered and has been questioned by detectives at Shrewsbury police station today.

Witnesses in a nearby town say that they saw a dispute between two soldiers the night prior to the discovery of the body. However, it is not yet known whether Corporal McNeill was involved in any dispute.

A post mortem was carried out over the weekend by a Home Office pathologist but further tests have been ordered to try to establish the cause of death.

A police spokesman said: “’The man arrested on suspicion of murder is also a serving soldier based at the barracks.”

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, of West Mercia Police, said: “We have made an arrest in connection with the death.

“The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing.”

Just last month the same battalion was deployed to help flood-stricken communities in Worcestershire after heavy rain across the UK.

There is currently an appeal to the public for further information and anyone who could assist the inquiry is urged to contact Shrewsbury CID.