Seven members of the Third Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, are being investigated in connection with the death of an Iraqi civilian.
It is alleged that the paratroopers were involved in an incident at a checkpoint near Basra in spring 2003, soon after the end of the war. Witnesses claim the soldiers were hitting an Iraqi man with rifle butts.
The investigation could result in all seven soldiers being charged with murder.
Four of the men are believed to be still serving with 3 Para, which was sent to the Gulf between February and June 2003. The other three have left the Army.
Army spokesman Captain Chris Gladwell said: "It would be inappropriate and improper for us to comment on an on-going civilian police investigation."
Published Thursday, February 3, 2005
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