A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a soldier was discovered at an Army barracks in Shropshire.

The 32-year-old victim was a member of the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, the Ministry of Defence said. The 1st Battalion were the soldiers who helped with flood relief across Worcestershire last month, including running a shuttle 'bus' service in Upton using their troop carrier vehicles to get people to the shops and back as the stricken town was cut off in certain directions. Soldiers from the regiment also met Prime Minister David Cameron on his visit to the town to examine the flood defences there.

West Mercia Police said a murder inquiry was launched after the soldier was found dead at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill just after 9am on Saturday. A 23-year-old man, also a serving soldier at the barracks, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held at Shrewsbury Police Station.

Detective inspector Steve Tonks, of West Mercia Police, said: "We have made an arrest in connection with the death.

"The investigation is in its early stages and extensive inquiries are continuing.

"A post-mortem conducted by a Home Office pathologist was held and further examination and tests are being carried out to help establish the cause of death."

He also made an appeal to the public for further information and urged anyone who could assist the inquiry to contact Shrewsbury CID.

Police said the coroner for Shropshire had been informed.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "We can confirm the victim was someone from the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment and we are assisting West Mercia Police with their inquiries.

"Our thoughts are with the family, but it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

The unit returned to its Shropshire barracks near Market Drayton after the floodwater receded.

A post mortem was held yesterday and further tests and examinations will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Police have appealed for any information which might assist the inquiry. Contact Shrewsbury CID on 101.