A Suffolk-based soldier died from 'natural causes' - a health regulator has said - after suffering breathing difficulties during record high temperatures.

Sapper Connor Morrison, who was based at Rock Barracks near Woodbridge with 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, died at Ipswich Hospital on July 23, 2022, just days after the UK had recorded its hottest ever day - with the thermometer hitting 40.3C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on July 19.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) determined that the 20-year-old from Renfrewshire in Scotland had died from natural causes after the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had announced that he had died in a 'non-operational incident'.

READ MORE: 'We will remember him': Tribute to 'selfless' soldier who died in Suffolk

In a statement in September 2022, Lt Col Jack Crossley, the regiment's commanding officer, described Sapper Morrison as a 'keen and enthusiastic' soldier who 'worked hard to achieve his goals.'

He said the avid Scottish football fan was 'quietly confident and sociable' while selflessly putting others before himself, including offering to cover weekend duties so colleagues could return home to their families.

Sapper Morrison- who was a class 2 combat engineer- enjoyed chatting with friends and in true army fashion was the subject of cheeky references to the similarity between his surname and the Morrisons supermarket chain - being nicknamed 'Tesco' or 'Sainsburys' instead.

READ MORE: Investigation launched into death of Woodbridge soldier

Lt Col Crossley said: “Sapper Morrison was a truly selfless and kind-hearted professional soldier who made friends wherever he went.  

"He proved himself to be a proud and loyal member of the Corps of Royal Engineers and will always be part of the Sapper family.

"Sapper Morrison will be sorely missed by the regiment and all those he served alongside. We will remember him.”

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An HSE spokesperson said: "The post-mortem results showed this to be a natural causes death which meant HSE had no further inquiries and the case was closed.

"A letter was sent to the MOD in January 2023 confirming our position."

READ MORE: Suffolk news