Troops shocked by death of Ranger Michael Maguire

Tributes have been paid to a young Shropshire-based soldier shot dead at a military firing range in Wales.

Ranger Michael Maguire, who survived a tour of Afghanistan, died during a live firing exercise at the Castlemartin Ranges in Pembrokeshire on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old joined the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill near Market Drayton, in May 2010.

He was deployed to Afghanistan in September that year.

It is understood Ranger Maguire was hit by a stray bullet and died at the scene.

Town leaders in Market Drayton today said news of the death was a tragedy, coming so soon after the soldiers were granted the freedom of the town last month.

Ranger Maguire's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Colin Weir today led tributes to the soldier, who is thought to have attended St Goban's College, near Bantry, in Co Cork, Ireland.

He said: "The entire battalion is deeply shocked by this tragic event, and all our thoughts and prayers are with Ranger Maguire's family at this difficult time.

"He was a deeply professional and likeable young man and will be sorely missed."

Major Richard Bell, Ranger Maguire's company commander, said the soldier had been one of their very best. "His loss has devastated everyone who knew him," he said.

"Michael was always going to stand out from the crowd. Not only because he stood a towering 6ft 7ins tall, but because of his vastly cheerful outlook on life, natural charisma and irrepressible good humour."

Councillor Steve Glover, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "The bond between the regiment and the town is so strong and to have this tragedy so soon after the freedom of the town parade is very sad."

The death is being investigated by Dyfed Powys Police with the assistance of the Health and Safety Executive.