DETECTIVES are continuing to interview the soldier arrested on suspicion of murdering a fellow soldier from the Tern Hill army barracks in Shropshire.

The 23-year-old remains in custody at Shrewsbury police station after magistrates this morning granted an extension to allow police more time for further inquiries.

A murder investigation was launched after the body of 32-year-old Corporal Geoffrey McNeill was found in an accommodation block at Clive Barracks shortly after 9am on Saturday (8 March).

The suspect was arrest at the barracks a short time later.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, the senior investigating officer from West Mercia Police, today renewed the appeal for information which might assist the police.

“We urge anyone who has any information which might be relevant to please contact Shrewsbury CID by calling 101 as a matter of urgency. We have a team of officers actively involved in piecing together the circumstances which led to Corporal McNeill’s death.”

He said a further examination of Corporal McNeill’s body was taking place today as part of the post mortem process to establish the cause of death. Corporal McNeill was from the Royal Irish Regiment which helped with flood relief in Worcestershire, including Worcester and Upton during last month's floods.

Police have until about 11am tomorrow before the custody extension granted today runs out.