Iraqi insurgents targeted the British run city of Basra today killing at least 55 people, including ten children on their way to schools, in a series of bomb blasts.

At least 55 people were killed today and 238 injured – including four British soldiers – after a series of explosions in the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Ten Iraqi children on their way to primary school were among the 40 dead in a series of simultaneous explosions in Basra today.

A fourth possible suicide attack has rocked through a camp outside Basra shortly after the three blasts, the British Ministry of Defence has said.