AN SAS soldier died while bravely leading a search and arrest operation in Iraq.

Sergeant Eddie Collins died from a single gun shot to the neck during the raid on a house, an inquest heard today.

The coroner was told the 33-year-old Hereford man was killed on a rooftop while leading a team of British soldiers.

Herefordshire Coroner David Halpern recorded that Sgt Collins was unlawfully killed by non-friendly fire.

For the full inquest report see tomorrow's Hereford Times.