Soldier killed in Tain shooting is named
THE soldier who died during a live firing exercise at an Easter Ross weapons range was named yesterday.
The Ministry of Defence said Joe Spencer was a lance corporal in the 3rd Battalion The Rifles. Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said:
“It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that Lance Corporal Joe Spencer from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died at RAF Tain on Tuesday. My thoughts are with Joe’s family, friends and colleagues at this terrible time.
“We are co-operating with the police investigation and looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”
His battalion is based at Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh and recruit largely in Yorkshire and the north-east of England.
The shooting has left its mark on the local community.
Police Scotland say the investigation is at the very early stages.
Both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Theresa May have expressed their condolences for the family and friends of the soldier.
Tain and Easter Ross councillor Alasdair Rhind said: “Obviously local people are saddened that somebody has lost their life in an incident at the range, we still await the details of the full extent of that incident, but that doesn’t matter, somebody has lost their life and the community is sad about it and extend their condolences to the family.”
Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland told the Ross-shire Journal that police, who were first made aware of the incident following a call from the Scottish Ambulance Service, would take their time on the investigation.
He said Police Scotland is leading the investigation and is working closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Health and Safety Executive and the Armed forces.
There will be a continued police presence at the RAF range over the days ahead.
Paul Monaghan, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said since the year 2000, 135 deaths have taken place involving military personnel on training or on exercise. Eleven of these deaths have taken place during live fire exercises.
“I have some outstanding concerns about the management of RAF Tain and staffing reductions that appear to increase risks and reduce safety levels to the general public,” he said.
“It is unclear if reduced staffing levels or management practices have contributed to this tragic death.
“I will of course be writing today to the Secretary of State for Defence requesting a detailed briefing on the causes of this tragic event and the actions he will be taking to ensure RAF Tain remains safe, secure and free of risk for the general public and appropriate for military personnel.”
