Irish soldier shot dead in East Timor

An Irish soldier has died after an apparent accidental shooting while on patrol in East Timor this morning.

The soldier, a member of Ireland’s Western Brigade, was shot in the head at around 10.30am Irish time and was evacuated to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It appeared that the soldier, who has not yet been named, may have been accidentally killed by one of his colleagues.

He was on routine patrol with other United Nations peacekeepers in the region when he was shot in the head.

The Defence Forces said early indications suggested it was a ‘‘tragic accident’’.

A spokesman said: ‘‘He was on patrol at the time with colleagues. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head."

The victim was one of 42 Irish soldiers serving with the UNTAET peacekeeping force in East Timor.

His name and further details surrounding the incident are being withheld until his family have been informed.