Road crash victim John Rooney was today being mourned by his pals in the Territorial Army.

The 35-year-old soldier was returning from TA training to his home in Sandringham Close, Stanford-le-Hope, when his scooter crashed.

It collided with a broken down vehicle on a bend on the A406 near Woodford, East London.

John, who suffered multiple injuries, was pronounced dead at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, last Thursday. He served with the TA's 36th Signals Regiment and was based at Grays. He was formerly a regular with the Royal Greenjackets.

Regiment chaplain, the Rev David Eaton, said: "John was a very popular soldier and enjoyed his Army life."

John had a two-year-old daughter, Emily, with long-term partner, Jane. His funeral will be at the military chapel at Warley, Brentwood, on Friday. An inquest will be held.

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