British forces were patrolling at petrol stations in the southern Iraqi city of Basra today after a series of clashes with residents angry about increased fuel prices and power cuts.

US President George W Bush yesterday ducked questions over a White House admission that he used flawed intelligence on Iraq’s nuclear programme, while insisting he was right to oust Saddam Hussein.

US forces in Iraq have arrested two more former officials on Washington’s Most Wanted list, Central Command said today.