HEREFORD'S MP says the deaths of two SAS soldiers was a tragedy for the elite regiment.

Paul Keetch, the Liberal Democrat defence spokesman, was speaking after two separate incidents in the Gulf state of Oman.

"British Special Forces train to a very high level, that is what makes them so special," said Mr Keetch.

"The deaths of these two young men and I understand a serious injury to another, is a tragedy for their families and the regiment."

Cpl Lee Tendy sustained a serious head injury in a parachute jump on Wednesday, July 17, while Sgt Kevin Butterton was badly injured in an exercise on Saturday, July 27.

Brigadier Mike Smith, the British defence attach in the region, said both soldiers died later in hospital.

The soldiers, whose units, ages and home towns were not disclosed, were said to have been on routine Army field training exercises with Omani troops.

Boards of inquiry will be convened into both fatalities, said the Ministry of Defence.

The presence of the Hereford-based elite troops in Oman will inevitably raise speculation that they were preparing for possible operations against Iraq.