Iraq sex assault investigation launched

Military Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault on a 14-year-old Iraqi boy by British soldiers.

A newspaper report claims the boy, who is now 19, was attacked in May 2003 by British soldiers at Camp Break Basket near Basra and is now launching a civil case against the Ministry of Defence.

An MoD spokesman confirmed that it was aware of the allegation of the assault on the boy.

A spokesman said: "The allegation was referred to the Royal Military Police. Efforts are being made to contact the parties concerned.

"All but a handful of the more than 120,000 British troops who have served in Iraq have conducted themselves to the highest standards of behaviour, displaying integrity and selfless commitment.

"All allegations of abuse are investigated thoroughly and, where proven, those responsible are punished and the abused are compensated."

The allegation came the day after it was announced the MoD would pay nearly £3 million in compensation to the family of a 26-year-old Iraqi beaten to death during interrogation in September 2003.

The spokesman said the Army has done "a great deal" since cases of abuse related to the death of Baha Mousa, 26, in 2003 and that procedures and training have been improved.

It was announced this week that the family of Mr Musa, a hotel receptionist arrested in connection with a search for weapons and bomb making equipment, would receive £2.83 million in compensation.

He died while in the custody of the former Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

No regiment has yet been named in connection with the latest allegation.

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