Medics accuse British troops of abuses in Iraq

British soldiers in Iraq are facing fresh accusations of torturing and murdering prisoners from two Danish army medics.

British soldiers in Iraq are facing fresh accusations of torturing and murdering prisoners from two Danish army medics.

Denmark's defence ministry says the medics witnessed Iraqi prisoners brought to a military clinic after being beaten by British troops.

Defence minister Ms Soeren Gade said last night that the medics, who were working at a British field hospital in Basra, were alleging that one of the two Iraqis died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident in September last year.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London last night said the report appeared to refer to an incident that has already been investigated by the Royal Military Police (RMP).

In that case, father-of-two Mr Baha Mousa died in custody, allegedly after being beaten by members of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

The results of the RMP inquiry are being considered to determine whether legal action should be brought, and the MoD is unable to comment on them, said a spokeswoman.

The Ministry is seeking further clarification from Copenhagen to ensure that the latest allegations were dealt with appropriately, she added.

PA

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