THE body of the North Yorkshire soldier who died of gunshot wounds in a double shooting while peace-keeping in Afghanistan has been returned to the UK.

Corporal John Gregory, aged 30, of the Royal Logistics Corps, died near Kabul airport in what was described as "non-hostile" circumstances with no enemy involvement.

He was working with the bulk fuel detachment at the airport.

The army has so far declined to say where in North Yorkshire Cpl Gregory was from, but has said he leaves a widow. His dead comrade has been named as Sergeant Robert Busuttil, also 30, of Swansea, south Wales.

A spokesman for the commanding officer of British forces in Kabul said a police investigation was under way and a coroner's court would be convened in England.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Miller said: "This is the most tragic of circumstances, and on behalf of the AMF(L) Battalion, I express our deepest sympathy to the families of Sgt Busuttil and Cpl Gregory who died in Afghanistan at the weekend.

"The news has been utterly devastating. The families have lost loving sons and a husband, and the battalion and the Army have lost highly-respected and professional soldiers and close colleagues."

The two soldiers were part of a small contingent from the British Army in the International Security Assistance Force.

They were serving with the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land), Combat Service Support Battalion, which is based at Bulford Camp, Wiltshire.

Updated: 12:05 Tuesday, August 20, 2002