UK soldiers 'routinely abused Iraqi civilians'

Hundreds of Iraqi civilians were "systemically abused" and tortured by British soldiers and interrogators, it was alleged at the High Court today.

Lawyers submitted video evidence to support Iraqis' claims that civilians were beaten and sexually abused.

Captives were allegedly kept naked and had food and water withheld. There are also allegations of mock executions and prolonged solitary confinement. The abuse is said to have occurred between March 2003 and December 2008 in British-controlled detention facilities in Iraq.

About 140 Iraqis were listed as making complaints against the British military last week, but that number has risen to 222, with possibly more to come.

The lawyers are challenging Defence Secretary Liam Fox's refusal to order a new inquiry into the allegations. The hearing continues.