Soldiers injured during exercise

The soldiers were taking part in exercises

Seven soldiers were hurt in an accident in Dumfries and Galloway.

The soldiers, from the Royal Irish Regiment, were taking part in an exercise when a Land Rover went out of control on a forest track.

Two of the soldiers were taken by helicopter to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow with suspected spinal injuries.

Their condition was found not to be as serious as first thought following examination.

Military training

The others suffered minor cuts and bruises and were treated at a hospital in Newton Stewart before being released.

The soldiers - who are members of 2 Royal Irish Regiment, based near Belfast - were taking part in an army exercise in Glentrool Forest, Dumfries and Galloway.

An Army spokeswoman said a military investigation would be carried out. It was not clear whether all seven soldiers were travelling in the vehicle when the accident happened.

The area is used extensively for military training.

The soldiers were taking part in a routine exercise with members of their unit.