First picture of soldier who died after being 'shot in head' during military training exercise in Northumberland

These are the first pictures of the young British soldier who died after being shot in the head during a live firing exercise at night.

Conor McPherson, who served with The Royal Regiment of Scotland (RRS), was pronounced dead by paramedics at around 11.15pm on Monday.

It is believed the 24-year-old, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, was wearing his helmet and night goggles while training at Otterburn in Northumberland.

He died after sustaining a 'serious head wound', police said.

Today, the Ministry of Defence released an image of the tragic soldier, describing him as a 'capable' serviceman who was 'hugely committed' to his career.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant 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 close knit family, and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave.

"The entire Battalion’s thoughts are very much with his family and friends."

Private McPherson, whose friends have been paying tribute to him online, enlisted into the RRS in May 2014 as a combat infantryman.

He was later posted to The Black Watch, 3 Battalion, based at Fort George, Inverness.

This is the unit he was serving with when he died, the MoD said.

Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning said yesterday: “My thoughts are with the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.




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