LONDON – A Royal Navy officer was killed and a second seriously injured yesterday when they were shot by a colleague on board a nuclear-powered submarine.
Local civic dignitaries, including the mayor and council leader were onboard HMS Astute,which was visiting Southampton at the time of the incident.
The Ministry of Defence said the shooting was not terrorist-related and there was no threat to the wider public.
An MoD spokesman said: "Two Royal Navy personnel have been involved in a firearms incident at Southampton docks where HMS Astuteis alongside.
“Sadly, one has now died as a result of his injuries. The Royal Navy is now attempting to inform their families as a matter of urgency.
“A third Royal Navy serviceman has been arrested by Hampshire Constabulary and is now in custody.
“We are co-operating fully with the police investigation and a Royal Navy service investigation will begin in due course,” he said.
Defence secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I am greatly saddened to hear of this tragic incident and of the death of a Royal Navy serviceman.”
It is understood that the two victims were male officers and the shooting was carried out with an SA80 service rifle. It is also understood that the gunman was on sentry duty and the shooting happened during a change of watch.
After the shooting, the gunman was handed him over to Ministry of Defence police. – (PA)