A British soldier killed on duty in Ukraine has been named by the Ministry of Defence as 28-year-old L/Cpl George Hooley of the Parachute regiment.

The “tragic accident” happened on Tuesday morning when Hooley was with Ukrainian military counterparts.

Keir Starmer paid tribute to the Parachute regiment soldier at Prime Minister’s Questions, saying: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the frontlines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.

“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”

The UK has previously acknowledged that a “small number” of military personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

The fatal incident is not assessed as being the result of hostile fire.

More details soon …