Body of British soldier returned to Ireland

The body of the Dublin-born British soldier who died in combat in Iraq has been flown to Ireland ahead of the 28-year-old's funeral on Thursday.

The Government has granted permission for six of Lance Corporal Ian Malone's colleagues to wear their Irish Guards military uniforms while escorting his remains.

The coffin will also be draped with an Irish Guards regimental flag during the funeral.

Mr Malone's remains are due to be removed to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Ballyfermot tomorrow ahead of a private family funeral at Palmerstown Cemetery on Thursday.