Death in Iraq of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

Photo: MOD

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington

Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, 22, from Middleton, has died in an incident in the town of Taji, northwest of Baghdad, Iraq.

His death followed "an incident" that is "currently under investigation, but it is understood was not as a result of enemy activity.

The British military has had a training and advisory operation in the area for about the past year or so.

L/Cpl Hetherington had only recently become a father to a baby daughter.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Armed Forces Lead Member for Rochdale Borough Council, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death in Iraq of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, 2nd Battalion The Duke Of Lancaster`s Regiment from Middleton. Our thoughts are with the family and relatives."

Liz McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington. Like all members of our armed forces, he deserves our thanks and appreciation for the devotion he showed to our country and to our protection.

"Lance Corporal Hetherington will never be forgotten by Middleton or by the country, and we are forever in his debt for the service he gave.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and his colleagues in the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment."

L/Cpl Hetherington's family have requested a period of grace before further information is released, the MoD said.