Friend ‘shot by accident’

A SOLDIER killed his best friend in a “tragic accident” in Afghanistan while checking his weapon, an inquest has heard.

Ranger David Dalzell, 20, of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, died from a single shot to the chest.

Ranger Sean Barry had stripped and cleaned his rifle, but failed to notice the magazine was still attached as he carried out a test and a shot was fired, killing his friend instantly.

Speaking after the inquest, held at Trowbridge Coroner’s Court in Wiltshire, Ranger Dalzell’s father, Gordon, said it had been a “tragic accident”.