The number of British soldiers who died during the Northern Ireland conflict is much higher than previously thought, the Telegraph has disclosed today.

More than 1,000 troops died including an estimated 100 soldiers who committed suicide during tours or soon afterwards, and a similar number of deaths resulted from accidents.

The new figure, more than 30 per cent higher than the Ministry of Defence total of 763, came to light after research into a government-backed proposal to erect a memorial to every serviceman who died during the troubles.