MoD probes claims that UK troops tortured Iraqi civilians

CLAIMS British soldiers tortured Iraqi civilians are being investigated by the Ministry of Defence, it was revealed today.

Some 33 cases of alleged abuse have been reported, including claims of rape, the use of torture techniques and physical assault, it was reported in a national newspaper.

A pre-action protocol letter was served on the MoD last week by the lawyer representing the Iraqis.

The allegations raise questions of collusion between Britain and America over the ill-treatment of Iraqis, according to the report.

Armed forces minister Bill Rammell said "formal investigations" must be carried out "without judgments being made prematurely".

He added: "Over 120,000 British troops have served in Iraq, and the vast, vast majority have conducted themselves to the highest standards of behaviour," he said.

"Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously. However, allegations must not be taken as fact and formal investigations must be allowed to take their course without judgments being made prematurely."

One claimant alleges he was raped by two British soldiers, while others say they were stripped naked and abused.