A SOLDIER from St Helens serving with the British Army was found dead at his barracks in Germany, the opening of an inquest has heard.

Callum Cowan, who was 21, was stationed at Princess Royal Barracks in Gütersloh, in north west Germany.

Military police are investigating the death but say it is not thought to be suspicious.

An spokesman for the British Army said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm Private Callum Cowan, a soldier serving with 6 Regiment RLC in Germany, was found dead at his barracks on April 25.

"The Royal Military Police are investigating the circumstances of his death, which are not believed to be suspicious."

He added: "Our thoughts, and those of his colleagues, are with Callum's family."

Amy Britland, a friend of Callum's mother Tracy set up a gofundme page to raise money to put towards Callum's funeral costs.

Amy said: "My dear friend's son Callum passed away at the age of 21. Tracy was proud of what Callum had achieved and had turned his life around. "Obviously, nobody prepares themselves for anything like this and should ever go through losing a child."

On the site, Terry McEvoy said: "Stand down soldier, your duty is done. May you rest in peace."

A coroner's office spokesperson said an inquest into Callum's death had been opened on May 10.

He said: "The inquest has been adjourned until August 2016 pending enquiries by the military police."