Soldier sleeps as two assault rifles hit the missing list: Dartmoor
(Friday, 26 September, 2008)

Two SA80 assault rifles along with a Bowman radio have gone missing during an Army training exercise following unconfirmed reports that a soldier fell asleep.

The MOD has confirmed that the two weapons and a secure portable radio system disappeared during the Oxfordshire-based 42 Engineer Regiment training weekend on Dartmoor. The two rifles were not loaded at the time of the disappearance and no ammunition is reported missing.

The SA80 is the designation for a revolutionary family of assault weapons. It takes a 30-round magazine and is capable of firing 700 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition per minute. On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned. The SA80 is now one of the British military's standard combat weapons.

An army spokesman is reported to have said:

"The Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch is investigating the loss of two unloaded SA80 rifles and a Bowman radio. It would be inappropriate to comment further.

"They went missing after a training exercise last weekend on the south side of Dartmoor."

The regiment noticed the loss in the early hours of Sunday (21.09.2008) at Holming Beam, a regular military training area near Princetown.

UPDATE

Police would like to trace a man and vehicle that were parked at the entrance to the single track at Holming Beam Woods, Princetown, Yelverton.

This man is considered to be an important witness as he handed a rifle to military personnel apparently having located it near to where they were resting.

The male is described as between 25 and 35 years of age / longish hair / slim to medium build / 5'10 -5'11 in height / neatly trimmed goatee beard / long sideburns, dark in colour.

He was driving a dark (possibly red/maroon) coloured saloon car.

Police would also like to trace a camper van described as white/cream in colour (though possibly yellow) with corrugated style body panelling. This vehicle was also at the same location at Holmingbeam Woods. The occupant was a man and he spoke to several of the personnel as they completed their day's training.

Anyone who was in the area who may have any information that can assist is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall police on 08452 777 444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting police reference log 338 21/09/08.

Police Force: Devon and Cornwall

Address:
Holming Beam
(near) Princetown
DEVON