The Government is under pressure to end the 'witch-hunt' against British veterans after a soldier who was being investigated over his actions in Northern Ireland took his own life.

The veteran, named by friends as Eddie ‘Spud’ Murphy, was found dead by his wife last Thursday following an investigation into his service during the Troubles.

Friends fear the pressure he felt at being investigated over historic allegations may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Government has promised to protect veterans from prosecution, but there has been concern over the length of time being taken to introduce any measures to safeguard them.

Six British Army veterans are currently facing the prospect of being prosecuted in the Northern Ireland courts.

Mr Murphy is understood to have served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Highland Fusiliers, in Northern Ireland, where he survived at least one bomb attack by the IRA.

A friend using the name Dukesy broke the news of his death on Twitter, saying: “My friend took his life today. He served in N.Ireland was blown up by the IRA and fortunate to survive.

“More recently he was subject to the Historic inquiry witch hunt. He tried to take his life three times before, this time he succeeded. A victim of the IRA. RIP Spud.”

A photograph thought to be of Mr Murphy, who came from a military family, was posted on social media showing him standing outside Redford Infantry Barracks in Edinburgh. Another showed him on duty in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, said he was aware of the veteran’s death and that the Government was working quickly to protect British soldiers from being dragged through the courts decades after serving their country.