British soldier killed in mysterious Iraq incident became a father just 3 months ago

A British soldier who died at an Iraqi base was shot by a colleague, it has been reported.

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, 22, died in mysterious circumstances at a base in Taji, north of Baghdad.

The Ministry of Defence continues to be investigating the dying however stated the 'incident' was not the results of enemy exercise. 

Sky Information understands Lance Corporal Hetherington was shot by a fellow British soldier.   

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, from Manchester, died at a base in Taji, north of Baghdad

The 22-year-old is believed to have develop into a father to a child woman lower than three months in the past

Lance Corporal Hetherington, pictured with girlfriend Savannah, was described as a 'excellent soldier'

The soldier, from Middleton in Manchester, was serving with the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. He is believed to have develop into a father to a child woman lower than three months in the past.

The MoD has opened an investigation into the dying.

The battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Singleton, stated: 'Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington was an excellent soldier and a firstclass chief. 

'Completely skilled and gifted, he was filled with character, enjoyable and his enthusiasm was infectious. 

'The Battalion has misplaced an enormous expertise and an actual character. He can be missed dearly and we'll always remember him. Our hearts exit to his mother and father, his siblings, his girlfriend and his younger daughter. They're in all of our ideas.'

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

And one of many soldier's colleagues, recognized as Lance Corporal Lynch, stated: 'Snowball was a high bloke. You could possibly all the time rely on him to have amusing, and he all the time had a solution for the whole lot. 

'He was such an enormous character. He can be enormously missed by the entire Battalion.'

Devastated family and friends have paid emotional tributes to the soldier, with many quoting the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment's motto 'Nec Aspera Terrent' - which roughly interprets as 'Difficulties be Damned'.

Nicola Hetherington stated the soldier's household was 'heartbroken'.

Nigel Hetherington posted on Fb: 'I am going to all the time love you child. So proud of you it is unreal. I am going to always remember you or your tales.

'You actually are one in 1,000,000. Sleep tight little bro. Take care of nan for us till we meet once more. Love you Scott, greater than I ever let on.'

Amber Roberts posted: 'What an affect you made on so many lives. I do not assume I've ever met anyone with a happier soul. You may be missed so a lot. Relaxation properly. You'll ceaselessly be in our hearts.'

The British soldier died in Taji, Iraq, whereas coaching troops to combat in opposition to ISIS, the Ministry of Defence confirmed right now

Liam Jackson posted: 'Scott Hetherington, you are a bit of star. I am completely gutted I've had my coronary heart torn out. You by no means assume something like it will occur to any of your loved ones. You probably did your nation and your regiment proud.'

George Toolan added: 'One other younger life taken manner too quickly, serving and defending our nation.'

The MoD has refused to disclose how the solider died. It's not clear whether or not another person was concerned. 

Sources dominated out suicide and any suspicious circumstances and stated it was a 'tragic incident'. It's understood a gun was concerned.

Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mike Penning stated: 'It's with nice disappointment and remorse that I can verify that Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington from Manchester died at Camp Taji in Iraq on Monday. 

'Our ideas are with the soldier's household, buddies and colleagues, and I might ask that their privateness is revered at this tough time. An investigation has began into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.' 

An MoD  spokesperson stated: 'It's with remorse that the Ministry of Defence should announce the dying of a soldier from the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

'The dying occurred in Taji, Iraq following an incident that's presently underneath investigation, however we are able to verify that it was not on account of enemy exercise.'

UK troops have been coaching 1000's of Iraqi safety forces in Besmaya, Erbil and Taji.

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment was fashioned in July 2006 and the 2nd Battalion relies at Weeton Barracks, close to Blackpool, Lancashire. 

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the soldier died in Taji following an incident which is 'presently underneath investigation' 

A spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition in assault stated: 'A Coalition service member was killed in a non-combat associated incident in Iraq, Jan. 2.

'The service member's identify and the circumstances surrounding the dying can be launched on the discretion of the pertinent nationwide authorities.

'The incident is underneath investigation.'

The household of the soldier have been knowledgeable.

The information of the dying comes simply someday after the British Armed Forces marked their first 12 months since 1968 that no troopers had been killed on fight operations.  

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