Tragic RIR Soldier Buried In North

The Royal Irish Regiment soldier who was shot dead in Afghanistan two weeks ago has been buried in Bangor today.

The 20-year-old Ranger from the Co Down seaside town, was fatally wounded after he returned to his base in Helmand province.

The Army is carrying out an investigation amid claims that David Dalzell may have been accidentally shot by a colleague as they cleaned their rifles.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral, including members of the Army with soldiers carrying the coffin, draped in the union jack with his beret on top.

Ex soldiers also paid their respects as the cortege drove past the local Royal British Legion.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, MP Lady Sylvia Hermon, Secretary of State Owen Paterson and former RUC and PSNI Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan were among mourners who heard the local minister of Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Rev Leach say that David had followed his older brother into the military and that his parents were worried about him going to

Afghanistan.

His older brother told of how David was planning for his future and had talked about buying a house with his girlfriend.

The Ministry of Defence has still refused to be drawn on the circumstances surrounding the death and a spokeswoman said details of the accident would be heard during an inquest.

It emerged this week that a second NI soldier had been shot accidentally, although the Army has declined to comment on the non-fatal wounding as well.

See: Wounded Soldier