British soldier dies while on deployment to Estonia

A British soldier has died while deployed on Operation CABRIT in Estonia.

The British Army confirmed that the soldier, from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, died after an incident in Tartu on 3 June, during a period of operational stand-down.

The Defence Serious Crime Command and Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and the Army would not speculate on the cause of death, which will be determined by a coroner.

A spokesman for the British Army said: "It is with immense sadness we confirm the death of a British soldier from 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES), while deployed on Operation CABRIT in Estonia.

"The circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command and Unit and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.

"The soldier's next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this sad time."

The UK's Armed Forces have a leading role in Nato's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in the Baltic States, in order to enhance Euro-Atlantic security, reassure allies and deter any adversaries, as part of Operation CABRIT.

The eFP in the Baltic states is a deployment of robust, multinational, combat-ready forces to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, on a lasting, rotational basis. 

British personnel rotate on a continuous basis alongside Danish, French, and host nation Estonian forces.