THE father of a British Army soldier who died just one day after he was arrested by military police has spoken of his heartbreak. 

Signaller Ebrima Nyabally, 19, had joined a new squadron five days before his death and then he was arrested by the Royal Military Police for unknown reasons.

Read more: What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

The police decided to release him as there was 'nothing to suggest any risk of suicide of self-harm', an inquest at Salisbury was told last week. 

However, he was found hanged in his bathroom by a sergeant on a check put in place to ensure his safety. 

Signaller Nyabally - from the Gambia - followed in his father Malang's footsteps and joined the British Army at the age of 17.

Malang Nyabally said: "I am absolutely heartbroken. He did not die in the war, he died in the barracks. My family legacy is broken."

He described his son as a 'shy, generous and kind young man - who had his whole life ahead of him'.

Ebrima moved to the UK from Gambia when he was only six years old.

"He was a promising young man", his dad added.

"I was so proud of him. He was the one who would have carried on my legacy."

Signaller Nyabally joined the 255th Signal Squadron in the Swinton Barracks based in Tidworth last year. 

Lance Corporal Luke Fowler told the coroner's court: "Signaller Nyabally joined the squadron in February, shortly after coming out of phase two training. He was a happy guy, really happy to have joined the squadron."

On February 24, the soldier was arrested - on an undisclosed matter - and he was held in a cell until late that evening.

His superiors decided to discharge him but for safety reasons, he was put under a unit risk register with 'measures'.

Major Philip Taylor told the coroner: "There were to be regular checks every 12 hours by the duty officer to touch base with Signaller Ebrima - just to check up on him."

Maj Taylor said the decision was made to release the young soldier.

Assistant Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Ian Singleton, concluded a verdict of suicide. 

He said: "More likely than not, Ebrima attempted to take his own life based on how he was found.

"In those circumstances, it's appropriate to return a verdict of suicide."

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers: 

  • You can call the Samaritans on 116 123
  • Child Bereavement UK 0800 028 8840 childbereavementuk.org
  • Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk 
  • Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org