Iraq torture inquiry finally begins

An inquiry into allegations that British soldiers tortured and killed people in Iraq finally started hearings this week.

The Al-Sweady inquiry is looking at events following the “Battle of Danny Boy” in May 2004.

The battle occurred when rebel fighters ambushed British soldiers near a checkpoint called Danny Boy, near Al–Majar.

Soldiers killed 28 Iraqis and a further nine were taken prisoner.

Six of the prisoners were killed while in British custody.

Evidence of torture includes close-range bullet wounds, the removal of eyes and stab wounds.