Recruit Wayne Richards - just nine weeks in to his 30-week course to win the coveted green beret - died in what has been described as a "tragic accident."

The17-year-old from Swansea, south Wales, died while exercising with the 780 Troop from the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon.

It is understood he died from a head wound, but no details have been given of the weapon involved.

The tragedy happened on Woodbury Common, a large area of heathland near Exeter used by marines for training for many years.

It is understood the investigation being carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Ministry of Defence is focusing on whether live and blank rounds were mixed up during the training exercise.

'Further investigation'

Chief Superintendent Liam McGrath said live ammunition was carried by the Marines against the threat of terrorism.

"Clearly any further detail as to why live ammunition was involved in this incident is the subject of our inquiry," he added.

He agreed it was unusual for live ammunition to be discharged on Woodbury, adding: "Clearly that is a matter for further investigation."

He declined to say whether the fatal shot had been fired by the victim or someone else.

The camp's commandant, Brigadier Andy Pillar, said it was with profound regret that he confirmed the tragic accident.

"Early this morning he died as a result of an accidental shooting during a training exercise on Woodbury Common," he said.

The Commandant described the recruit as "a very special young man," adding: "He was hard-working, irrepressibly cheerful, very popular with both his fellow recruits and training team, and undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him in the Royal Marines."

The Marines were doing all they could to support Wayne's family and his fellow recruits.

Brigadier Pillar said it would be premature and inappropriate to comment on the circumstances surrounding the soldier's death as the incident was the subject of a "full and thorough investigation".

After the shooting the scene was sealed off and inspected by police scenes of crime officers and Royal Marine personnel.

It is the fifth death involving Royal Marines from Lympstone since March 1996.

Other fatalities

The four other training deaths all took place during physical exercise. Nigel Foster, 26, died after suffering a heart attack during a swimming exercise on Woodbury Common in 1996.

In July 1997 Andrew Charnock collapsed and died from heat exhaustion during a 30-mile training run on Dartmoor.

In January 1998, 18-year-old David Vallance died of a heart attack while jogging to a firing range at Sandy Bay, near Exmouth.

Nine months later 16-year-old recruit Nathaniel Burton, from Devon, died wading through a pool during an exercise on Dartmoor.