Young soldier collapses and dies

Police investigating the death of a trainee soldier who collapsed at his barracks in Surrey have said the cause of his death is still unclear.

The emergency services were called to the Alexander Barracks, at Pirbright near Woking, late on Wednesday night.

Matthew Bevan, 19, from Hereford, was pronounced dead at Frimley Park Hospital a few hours later.

Surrey Police said following a post-mortem examination more tests, including toxicology, were required.

Fellow recruits

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said Pte Bevan had only been at the Army Training Regiment barracks for about five weeks.

It is the first place new recruits go to, spending around 14 weeks learning basic skills before going on to a second phase of training.

The spokesman said the Pirbright barracks housed several hundred recruits.

Surrey Ambulance said they were called out at 2312 BST on Wednesday after Pte Bevan was found collapsed in his accommodation.

He was given first aid before paramedics arrived.

The MoD said its thoughts were with his family and fellow recruits.