Navy officer killed in shooting on board nuclear submarine

HMS Astute is visiting Southampton, Hampshire, and local civic dignitaries, including the mayor and council leader, were on board at the time of the incident.

The Ministry of Defence said the shooting was not terrorist-related and there was no threat to the wider public.

It is understood that the two victims were male officers and the shooting was carried out with an SA80 service rifle.

It is also understood the gunman was on sentry duty and the shooting happened during a weapons changeover between shifts.

After the shooting, it is understood the gunman was grabbed by other Navy personnel and handed over to Ministry of Defence Police, who were there as part of the civic visit. He was then transferred to Hampshire Police officers when they arrived minutes later.

Sources said the motive for the shooting was unclear but played down the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder being a factor, pointing out that the longest HMS Astute has spent at sea is 46 days.

An MoD spokesman said: “Two Royal Navy personnel have been involved in a firearms incident at Southampton docks where HMS Astute is alongside.

“Sadly, one has now died as a result of his injuries. The Royal Navy is now attempting to inform their families as a matter of urgency.

“A third Royal Navy serviceman has been arrested by Hampshire Constabulary and is now in custody.

“This incident was not terrorist-related and there is no threat to the wider public.

“We are co-operating fully with the police investigation and a Royal Navy service investigation will begin in due course.”

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said he was “greatly saddened” by the incident.

““It is right and proper that a full police investigation is carried out and allowed to take its course,” he said.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with those who have been affected and their families.”

Southampton City Council’s leader Royston Smith, Mayor Carol Cunio, and chief executive Alistair Neill were among a group of local dignitaries on board at the time.

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm they are safe and unharmed and should be coming off and taken away by car soon. They have clearly been through a traumatic experience.”

Armed police, firefighters, paramedics and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance helicopter were sent to the dockside where the submarine was berthed.

The seriously injured navy crew member was taken to Southampton General Hospital, South Central Ambulance Service said.

HMS Astute, the Navy’s newest and most advanced submarine, is docked at Southampton’s Eastern Docks on a five-day official visit to the city. The submarine previously hit the headlines when it ran aground on a shingle bank between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Skye and remained marooned for several hours.

HMS Astute, which has a 98-strong crew, was named and launched by the Duchess of Cornwall in June 2007.