It is with very deep regret that the Ministry of Defence has to confirm the death of Sergeant Les Hehir (pronounced 'HEAR'), of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. Aged 34, Les was married, with two sons, and lived in Poole, Dorset.

Major John Francis is Families Officer with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at its Plymouth base. He said:

"The loss of three fine members is acutely felt by us all. That they served with the same Battery only heightens the sense of grief. Together with the deaths of our two Army personnel, Sergeant Hehir and Lance Bombardier Evans, we mourn also for Ian Seymour, a naval rating who had been with 29 Commando since 1999 and was very much a part of Regiment life. Our thoughts remain very much with their families at this time."

The media are requested to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time.

PICTURE HANDLING NOTE:

The family have specifically requested that, if the photograph published here is reproduced, Sergeant Hehir's sons are included.

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