HMS Astute shooting: father of four killed by gunman

The gunman, who has been named locally as able seaman Ryan Donovan, fired “indiscriminately” in the submarine’s control room before being overpowered.

Southampton City Council leader Royston Smith was on board during a civic visit to HMS Astute as it was docked in Southampton for a five-day visit.

He said a man dressed in body armour for sentry duty, fired two shots in the corridor before entering the control room and firing another couple of shots – one of which passed right by the councillor.

“I sort of felt it – I thought he’s got 30 rounds and shooting indiscriminately into the control room so I took the view I had to get the rifle from him,” the councillor explained.

Mr Smith, who had passed the first shot off as negligent discharge, described how he wrestled the gunman to the ground.

“He wasn’t giving it up easily. I ran to him, charged him against the wall – I had the rifle in one hand and him in the other and he discharged another one when we were tousling. He didn’t let go, it was very difficult but I knew when I was committed on that course of action I had to get the rifle or otherwise it was going to be far worse,” he added.

Officer killed

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, was killed in the gun attack.

Lt Cdr Molyneux, a father of four from Wigan, was a weapons engineering officer in charge of the vessel’s missiles.

Captain Phil Buckley, captain of the Faslane Flotilla to which HMS Astute belongs, said: “Ian Molyneux was a thoroughly professional and competent submarine engineer and a great asset to HMS ASTUTE and the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service.

“His untimely death is a big blow to his family, who have the Flotilla’s deepest sympathy. His loss will also be felt by his shipmates and across the Service. He was, simply, a good bloke.”

The second officer shot by the gunman is understood to be Lieutenant Commander Chris Hodge, who is said to be stable.

Arrest

A Royal Navy serviceman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody today.

Hampshire Police are conducting an investigation into the shootings in co-operation with Ministry of Defence police and naval provosts.

The MoD said the shooting was not terrorist-related and there was no threat to the wider public.

It is understood that the shooting was carried out with an SA80 service rifle.

It is believed the gunman was on sentry duty and the shooting happened during a weapons changeover between shifts.

After the shooting, it is understood the gunman was grabbed by other navy personnel who handed him over to MoD police who were there as part of the civic visit.

He was then transferred to Hampshire police officers when they arrived minutes later.

Sources said the motive for the shooting was unclear but played down the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder being a factor, pointing out that the longest HMS Astute has spent at sea is 46 days.

The MoD refused to comment on claims that it took place after a row unfolded over the use of a lavatory.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I am greatly saddened to hear of this tragic incident and of the death of a Royal Navy serviceman.

“It is right and proper that a full police investigation is carried out and allowed to take its course.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with those who have been affected and their families.”

Chief Supt David Thomas, of Hampshire Police, said the major crime branch investigation into the incident would involve obtaining statements from all those on board at the time, believed to number around 30.