British soldier killed in Iraq training exercise was 'devoted family-man'

A British soldier who was killed in a training exercise in northern Iraq has been remembered as "a lover of the outdoors" and "a devoted family-man".

Lance Corporal Stewart Freeman, 29, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, died on Sunday during a joint training exercise in Erbil with the US, the Ministry of Defence said.

Defence Secretary John Healey said Freeman served the country "with dedication, professionalism and pride", adding: "My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time."

The US Army issued a statement on Monday confirming one of its soldiers also died in the exercise.

The MoD said Freeman joined the Army in 2016 and had served in South Sudan, Cyprus, Iraq, the Falklands, Jordan, Romania and Kenya.

He served as a rifleman, mortarman and machine gunner and his most recent appointment was as a Section Second in Command within the Assault Pioneer Platoon.

"He was deeply invested in this role, pushing the capability, and always suggesting improvements to techniques, kit and equipment. He had a promising career ahead of him," the MoD stated.