Afghanistan victim ‘shot by colleague’

Ranger David Dalzell, 20, of 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, died on Friday in an “operational accident” in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand.

After claims that he may have been shot while he and a fellow soldier cleaned their rifles, his family spoke out to say they were devastated by their loss.

His bereaved relatives, from Bangor, Co Down, in Northern Ireland also expressed their concern for the colleague who may have fired the shot.

“There has been speculation about the phrase ‘operational accident’ which has caused questions about how our son died,” they said.

“David died after being accidentally shot by another soldier, having returned to base from a patrol.

“We do not know exactly what happened, just that our son was fatally wounded.

“As well as our huge loss which has devastated the family, the other soldier must also be suffering and our thoughts are with him as well.”

The Ministry of Defence has so far refused to be drawn on the circumstances surrounding Ranger Dalzell’s death and a spokeswoman said details would be heard during an inquest.