A SOLDIER who died at a Bicester barracks on Friday has been named as 28-year-old Private Darren Leslie.

In a statement, Pt Leslie’s family said he was a much-loved son, brother, step-father and uncle, whose smile lit up a room.

They also said he was an avid Liverpool supporter, who was “immensely proud” of his role with the Royal Logistic Corps at St David’s Barracks in Graven Hill.

After completing his training in 2012, Pt Leslie deployed with the regiment to Afghanistan in April 2014, where he worked in the Theatre Logistic Group based in Camp Bastion. As part of the team that oversaw the drawdown of forces in Afghanistan, he helped recover British Military vehicles and equipment back to the UK and was awarded the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan.

Major Rob Amor, Officer Commanding 2 Close Support Squadron RLC, said: “His cheerful, humorous character made him extremely popular within the regiment and the squadron; always the first to volunteer for tasks, he took every opportunity the British Military had to offer.

“His sudden loss has come as a shock to all those who worked with him and he will be sorely missed.”

Pt Leslie leaves behind his parents, Karen and Billy, sister Natasha and brothers, Ryan and Lee.

Police have said they are not treating the death as suspicious.

The Ministry of Defence said the fatality took place outside of training exercises and “involved one individual”.

A post mortem examination is due to be held today and a police investigation is still ongoing.