TWO British soldiers died when their motorbike collided with a van in Germany, an inquest heard yesterday.

Lance Bombardier Alexander Izatt, whose wife lives in Easingwold, near York, North Yorkshire, was killed instantly when the bike he was riding collided with a recovery van on June 29, last year.

An inquest into the 26-year-old's death heard how the German van driver was convicted of causing Mr Izatt's death and was required to pay a 3,000 euro fine.

Mr Izatt served in Germany with the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

A reconstruction report of the accident found that he was travelling well over the 70kph speed limit when he crashed, also killing the bike's pillion passenger, soldier Lee Murren, from Liverpool.

Mr Izatt suffered severe head and chest injuries in the accident and died at the scene.

Coroner Michael Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death.