Tank crash soldiers named

The tank was taking part in army manoeuvres

Two soldiers who died when their Challenger tank overturned during army exercises on Salisbury Plain have been named.

Lieutenant Paul Syred, 25, and Corporal Michael Paterson, 28, from A Squadron, 1 Royal Tank Regiment, based at Warminster, Wiltshire, died when the tank slipped off a track.

Two other soldiers from the same regiment have returned to their units after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

The accident happened on MOD land at the deserted village of Imber near Warminster, Wiltshire, where regular tank training exercises are carried out.

The Challenger tank weighs 70 tonnes

An MoD spokesman said a full inquiry would be held.

"This is a very tragic accident and we need to understand what went on," he added.

The tank was taking part in an exercise with other Challenger 2 battle tanks.

After the accident the other vehicles were held in a central area while emergency services attended the scene.

It took several hours for the 70-tonne tank to be righted.

Lieutenant Syred, son of Dr John Syred, of Sedbergh, Cumbria, joined A Squadron in August from the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where he had taken a troop leaders' course.

Our thoughts are now with their families and we are doing everything in our power to assist them in this time of great sadness

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Roberts

Corporal Paterson, originally from Saltcoats, Strathclyde, Scotland, joined the squadron after a tour in Northern Ireland.

He lived in Warminster with his wife, Joanne.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Roberts, of the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, said: "The commanding officer, officers and all ranks of the battle group are deeply sorry and shocked about the deaths of Lieutenant Syred and Corporal Paterson.

"Our thoughts are now with their families and we are doing everything in our power to assist them in this time of great sadness."