An off duty teenage British soldier named as David Lee Collins has been stabbed to death in a fight with three British holiday makers in a nightclub in Ayia Napa Cyprus.

The 19-year-old from Manchester, serving at the Dhekelia base, was on a night out at the Black and white nightclub with four other off duty soldiers when he got into a fight with the three other men who plunged a knife into his chest, seriously wounding him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

An MoD spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has died in an incident in Cyprus."

His family has been informed and last night friends paid tribute to him online. One wrote on Twitter: "RIP David Collins. True friend and a great soldier!"

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware three British nationals have been arrested in Ayia Napa and we are providing them with consular assistance."

The three men accused of the murder are being held at different police stations. And they are due in court today.

Written and presented by Ann Salter