Soldier found dead in barracks

Private Alison Croft was a chef

A young female soldier has been found hanged at her barracks.

Private Alison Croft, 22, was discovered at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on Saturday.

Pte Croft was a chef and had spent time at Deepcut barracks in Surrey - currently at the centre of a police investigation into the deaths of four young soldiers there.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

This is a tragic loss, not only to her family and friends, but also to our regimental family

Lieutenant-Colonel McMahon

Pte Croft's regiment provides back-up and supplies for the Royal Logistics Corp based at Deepcut.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said they could not discuss rumours that Pte Croft was being bullied.

"The civilian police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death," she said.

Lieutenant-Colonel McMahon, Pte Croft's commanding officer, said: "This is a tragic loss, not only to her family and friends, but also to our regimental family.

All our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely sad and difficult time."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be opened in three days time."