The Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation into a video which allegedly shows British soldiers brutally beating a group of young Iraqis. The film, which was reported in a Sunday newspaper, shows the troops repeatedly kicking, punching and striking civilians with batons. The newspaper said the footage was filmed during street riots in Basra in 2004 by a corporal who can be heard laughing and encouraging his colleagues in a running commentary.

"We are aware of these very serious allegations and can confirm they are now the subject of an urgent Royal Military Police investigation," a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

"We condemn all acts of abuse and brutality and always treat any allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously."

According to the News of the World, the video shows the troops dragging four young protesters off a street and into an army compound.

The cameraman is said to be heard laughing and saying: "Oh yes! Oh Yes! You're gonna get it. Yes, naughty little boys. You little f***ers, you little f***ers. Die. Ha Ha."

The tape shows a minute's worth of the attack - with 42 blows counted, according to the newspaper. The footage also allegedly shows a British soldier twice kicking a dead Iraqi in the face.

Textual source: Telegraph