Officer shot dead on HMS Astute, arrest made

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Arrest made in nuclear sub shooting
08 April 2011

A Royal Navy officer has been killed and a rating has been left with life-threatening injuries following a shooting on board HMS Astute.

One man, reportedly a fellow rating, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack, which took place while the sub was berthed in Southampton docks.

Reports suggest that a 9mm pistol was used in the shooting, which took place during a changing of the guard. The incident is not said to be terrorist-related.

Hampshire police were called to the boat at 1212 on Friday 8 April and have sealed off the area around the docks. The force insists there is no risk to the public.

"Hampshire police were called by their Ministry of Defence colleagues at 12.12pm today and are currently liaising with them to establish the exact circumstances of the incident," a Hampshire police spokesman said.

"It is believed two people have sustained injuries as a result of gun shots being discharged on the vessel. People should be reassured there is no risk to public safety.

"Hampshire Constabulary and the MoD are keen to stress this incident is not terrorist related.

"More information will be circulated as it becomes available."

The submarine was in the city as part of a scheduled five-day visit.

Local dignitaries and parties of scouts and Sea Cadets had been invited on board the boat during its five-day visit to the city, and Southampton Council has confirmed that the city's mayor, council leader and chief executive were on board at the time of the shooting. None were said to have been injured in the attack.

The boat is one of seven Astute class submarines ordered by the UK and became trapped on a shingle bank during sea trials in October last year.

In sea trials in February this year some of the submarine's weapons support and sewage systems failed.